Mojatu magazine issue m019

�mojatu.com categoryNottingham connected

Editorial

Contact us to find out if you are eligible for legal aid. We can travel toyour area if needed. We have lawyerswho speak French, Spanish, Urdu,Hindi and Bengali. We have crossqualified foreign lawyers and Children Panel members.

Emergency telephone: +44 (0) 208 607 9660 or 07932 086 173Email: Anne-Marie Hutchinson [email protected]; Sulema Jahangir [email protected] Twitter: @dawsoncornwell

Dawson Cornwellthe family law firm

15 Red Lion SquareHolbornLondon WC1R 4QTwww.dawsoncornwell.comTelephone: +44 (0) 207 242 2556

Speak to us about FGM Protection Orders

Anne-Marie Hutchinson OBECarolina Marín PedreñoZoe FleetwoodSulema JahangirShabina BegumWendy Ramus

We are specialist lawyers expert in advising on domestic violence, HBV, FGM,child protection and forced marriage bothin the UK and abroad

ContentsEditor’s welcome

Editorial

Cover

Group Editor: Frank Kamau – [email protected] Editor: [email protected] Designers: Robert Borbely | Sehrish DinContributors: Valentine Nkoyo | Kris Gunnars | Michael Henry | Shamsher Chohan | Irene Amadi | Richard Bacon | Ken Kamiche | 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]

News & Comments: [email protected] Executive Directors / Trustees: Legal: Kinsi Clarke - [email protected]: Dr. Tabani Ndlovu - [email protected] the magazineOnline @ www.mojatu.com/magazinesSubscription @ £24 per year including postage [email protected]: Mojatu Foundation167 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 3JRT: 0115 8457 009 | 0751 6962 992 | 0779 4372 214 Facebook: www.facebook.com/mojatuTwitter: www.twitter.com/mojatumagazinePrinters: Mojatu Publications

The international FGM conference (p4 & 5) hosted by Mojatu Foundation and sponsored by Nottingham Trent University, The Nottinghamshire office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and other organisations on 3rd September was a big success for the region.

Hundreds of people gathered this year for the Nottingham Sports Group 2 day event held at the forest recreational grounds. Teams of both young & older people came together to play and encourage more people to engage in sports (p16).

Arts and culture is a big part of every society and sharing it widely brings a wealth of knowledge, understanding and respect for diversity. The second annual Hyson Green Cultural Festival was held at the Forest Recreational Ground. The festival brought over 500 people together to celebrate the richness of arts and culture and to also raise awareness of issues affecting girls and women (p17).

The very long awaited visit of the new Kenya High Commissioner to Nottingham finally came to be on the 9th October (p18). The commissioner and his delegation met with local universities, business leaders and Kenyans. Also see our exclusive interview with the Kenyan songbird, Maia von Lekow (p22 & 23). Maia’s music is quite different and refreshing in many ways.

Are you interested in an exciting, captivating and cultural oriented film that is completely different from what we normally see in cinemas? Then the Warriors Film and story is the right one for you. Following a group of Maasai worriors in Kenya to UK playing cricket in their full attire to raise awareness of FGM, is what you need to watch at Broadway Cinema on 23rd November (p24).

Valentine NkoyoManaging Editor: Mojatu magazines

Email: [email protected]

Warrior Film actor Courtesey: Warrior film

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.

Contact us to find out if you are eligible for legal aid. We can travel toyour area if needed. We have lawyerswho speak French, Spanish, Urdu,Hindi and Bengali. We have crossqualified foreign lawyers and Children Panel members.

Emergency telephone: +44 (0) 208 607 9660 or 07932 086 173Email: Anne-Marie Hutchinson [email protected]; Sulema Jahangir [email protected] Twitter: @dawsoncornwell

Dawson Cornwellthe family law firm

15 Red Lion SquareHolbornLondon WC1R 4QTwww.dawsoncornwell.comTelephone: +44 (0) 207 242 2556

Speak to us about FGM Protection Orders

Anne-Marie Hutchinson OBECarolina Marín PedreñoZoe FleetwoodSulema JahangirShabina BegumWendy Ramus

We are specialist lawyers expert in advising on domestic violence, HBV, FGM,child protection and forced marriage bothin the UK and abroad

News & SportsInternational FGM Conference ............................. 4-5City partners launch Equality Challenge .............. 6To BME or Not to BME .................................................. 8Dialogues for understanding .................................... 9Want to do something different ............................10

CommunityWhat does Obama’s visit mean to Kenya ............12The Great African Bake-Off ......................................14Get online with Belong! ............................................14Nottingham Sports Group Photos ........................16The Hyson Green Cultural Festival ........................17Kenya High Commissioner’s visit ...........................18Rétice -Digital School launched in France ..........19

Arts & CultureInterview questions for Maia von Lekov ...... 22-23 Maasai Cricket Warriors at Broadway ............ 24-25

Health & FoodHow Many Eggs Can You Safely Eat? ............. 20-21

Education & CareerClimate Change: Is this the reality? ................ 26-27Narratives of Survivorship ........................................29Classified

� mojatu.commojatu.comNews & Sports

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

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

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


Communities facing skills and employability disadvantages in Nottingham and Derby are to get more support from the newly launched Equality Challenge Network. At a meeting held in City College Nottingham, over 70 guests and representives of multiple agencies and groups in the city came together to launch the partnership and hear how the Equality Challenge Partnership will work in supporting local communities.

CITy PArTNErS LAuNCH EquALITy CHALLENGE NETwork To booST SkILLS AND EMPLoyAbILITy

L-R Cllr Nick McDonald, Portfolio Holder for Jobs, Growth and Transport, NCC; Tyron Browne, CEO PATRA; Hassan Ahmed; Qammar Zamman, CEO First Enterprise Business Agency; Milton Crosdale, former Director, Nottingham and District Racial Equality Council and Professor Cecile Wright, Chair and BME Advocate, NCC Equality and Fairness Commission.

Hassan Ahmed, chair of First Enterprise, the leading Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in the East Midlands chaired the event. He said, “We believe that local authorities need to tackle the serious issues of unemployment and low prospects still faced by inner city communities. Equality Challenge wants to bring agencies together to work together to combat unemployment among certain groups. We want to undertake research to gain a true picture of the situation in order to draft effective strategies to upskill and promote business growth”.

Jon Collins, the Leader of Nottingham City Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Regeneration and Development commended the launch and urged the delegates and local communities to support this partnership.

Professor Cecile Wright, Chair and BME Advocate, NCC Equality and Fairness Commission addressed the delegates. She stated that “Equality Challenge Network will produce meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities for those furthest removed from the labour market by helping to tackle discrimination and advocating on behalf of these disadvantaged and often discriminated communities”.

Jon Collins

Professor Cecile wright

Nick McDonald, Jon Collins, Leader of Nottingham City Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Regeneration and Development said that, “We have to promote growth, prosperity and opportunity. It is a fundamental requirement that we all collectively get this right. But to do so, we need a true picture of what is happening among the local communities.”

Milton Crosdale

NCVS Chief Executive, Helen Kearsley-Cree commended the efforts of Equality Challenge Network as which we hope will address the inequalities we know about in Nottingham in a positive and proactive manner.

Equality Challenge Network includes Nottingham based Communities Inc; PATRA incorporating ACDA; NG7 Training, Employment & Advice; City College Nottingham and Nottingham Equal and Derbyshire based Central Education & Training; Jobs Education & Training (JET) and Derby Women’s Centre.

It will work towards encouraging enterprise and skills development across Derby and Nottingham as a means to overcome poverty and promote factors that encourage social inclusion.

If you would like to join the Equality Challenge Network, to be kept informed of the issues raised and future potential opportunities for collaborative working on this important agenda, contact Equality Challenge Network at http://www.equalitychallenge.co.uk/contact.html

tv.mojatu.com tv.mojatu.com


Communities facing skills and employability disadvantages in Nottingham and Derby are to get more support from the newly launched Equality Challenge Network. At a meeting held in City College Nottingham, over 70 guests and representives of multiple agencies and groups in the city came together to launch the partnership and hear how the Equality Challenge Partnership will work in supporting local communities.

CITy PArTNErS LAuNCH EquALITy CHALLENGE NETwork To booST SkILLS AND EMPLoyAbILITy

L-R Cllr Nick McDonald, Portfolio Holder for Jobs, Growth and Transport, NCC; Tyron Browne, CEO PATRA; Hassan Ahmed; Qammar Zamman, CEO First Enterprise Business Agency; Milton Crosdale, former Director, Nottingham and District Racial Equality Council and Professor Cecile Wright, Chair and BME Advocate, NCC Equality and Fairness Commission.

mojatu.com

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0115 8457 009 [email protected]

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NoTTINGHAM FGM STEErING GrouP IN PArTNErSHIP wITH

Angolan Women Organisation (OMA)

Blue Mountain Women Enterprise

East Midlands Housing

Mojatu Foundation

Gambian Welfare Association

Hyson Green Cultural Festival

GAIN Diaspora

Insite Radio

Contact 01158457009 07946303384

07794372214, 07715695848

Venue To be Confirmed

Tuesday15th December From 7pmTicket

£10


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 communitiesLack 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 BMENo 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


TO BME OR NOT TO BME? - By Shamsher Chohan

Hyson Green is described as the ‘cultural capital of Nottingham’ having the highest number BME and new arrivals in the city (40% plus). Whilst this area has a diverse community, there are few opportunities and spaces for people to interact in a meaningful way.

Following a successful dialogue around hate crime held earlier this year at the Punjabi Centre Lunch Club in Hyson Green, Communities Inc. are organising a series of social interaction dialogues involving diverse ethnicities and faiths to foster better understanding and respect between people in the area. The discussion topics will be designed to help people engage in and improve their local community by working together

to improve community cohesion and integration.

We will be running two dialogue based lunch clubs, each running over four sessions with topics including: the role of faith groups in supporting communities; myths about minorities; ethnicity and identity; being British; myths about migrants; local cohesion challenges and policing diverse areas.

We are looking for people of different ethnicities and faiths to participate in these sessions, so if you are interested in joining one of the lunch clubs please contact [email protected] or call 0115 9101469. Lunch is on us!

DIALoGuES For uNDErSTANDING AND ACCEPTANCE To bE HELD IN HySoN GrEEN- by Michael Henry

�0 mojatu.commojatu.comNews & Sports

Date: 29th November 2015Venue: Hyson Green Youth Club, Terrace St, Nottingham NG7 6ER

Organised by: Hyson Green Cultural Festival & NG7 Voices Youth Forum

- AfricanMarketplace(Mainhall-groundfloor)Stalls, exhibitions and displays

- Drumming- Welcome remarks- Lunch - Serving tasters from 5 regions of the

African /Caribbean world- Youth cultural workshops - under 25yrs

1. Drumming -learn African drumming 2. Dance - learn African dance 3. Head wrapping - wrap your hair like an African queen

2-3 pm African history workshops - under 25yrs - Media / FGM Awareness workshop - Somalia past and present - Abdullahi -OrAbdirahman(EastAfricanEducationCentre) - The Gambia past and present - Ebrima Jawo (GambiancommunityAssoc)3-4 pm Food served from4-5 pm Films - Many rivers to cross & Making waves(Mainhall)- Q @ A Discussion5-6 pm Presentation - The Glory of Africa -

Dr Momodou Sallah (Chair of Global hands &SeniorLecturerDeMontfortUniversity)- Q @ A Discussion- Stage show -local performers -

Amie Cherry Traditonal singer

Black culture awarenessfrom 10am - 8pm

For more information, please contact: Abdoulie Jah or Maxine Davis

SUPPORTED BY

PEOPLE’SHEALTH TRUST

[email protected]@gmail.com

Tel: 07946303384 / 07511371750

residents of Nottingham city and surrounding areas have great opportunities to learn and take part in new sports in their neighbourhood through Community Sports Support.

Community Sports Support is an exciting new 3 year Sports England Project run by Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS), in partnership with Nottingham City Council. The project has two aspects; you could either be a sports club that needs a bit of support with

governance, marketing, increasing membership or funding or you could be a community group looking to develop sporting activity for the first time. For example, you could be an over 50s group keen to try your hand at indoor tennis, a youth group wanting to give badminton a go or a residents group wanting to bring the community together through a sports tournament.

NCVS can also link you in with Activators who are people tasked with increasing participation across the following key sports: archery, athletics, basketball, football, golf, netball and tennis. Activators can help you run some taster sessions and provide equipment and basic training for your volunteers to make the activity sustainable.

Are there any catches? No! The service will provide free support. All you need is to be based in Nottingham and have a group of at least 6 people aged over 14 interested in doing sport. We can then help you with the rest.

Contact us via 0115 9348 405 or [email protected]

want to do something different? – Get into sports - By Richard Bacon

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

Date: 29th November 2015Venue: Hyson Green Youth Club, Terrace St, Nottingham NG7 6ER

Organised by: Hyson Green Cultural Festival & NG7 Voices Youth Forum

- AfricanMarketplace(Mainhall-groundfloor)Stalls, exhibitions and displays

- Drumming- Welcome remarks- Lunch - Serving tasters from 5 regions of the

African /Caribbean world- Youth cultural workshops - under 25yrs

1. Drumming -learn African drumming 2. Dance - learn African dance 3. Head wrapping - wrap your hair like an African queen

2-3 pm African history workshops - under 25yrs - Media / FGM Awareness workshop - Somalia past and present - Abdullahi -OrAbdirahman(EastAfricanEducationCentre) - The Gambia past and present - Ebrima Jawo (GambiancommunityAssoc)3-4 pm Food served from4-5 pm Films - Many rivers to cross & Making waves(Mainhall)- Q @ A Discussion5-6 pm Presentation - The Glory of Africa -

Dr Momodou Sallah (Chair of Global hands &SeniorLecturerDeMontfortUniversity)- Q @ A Discussion- Stage show -local performers -

Amie Cherry Traditonal singer

Black culture awarenessfrom 10am - 8pm

For more information, please contact: Abdoulie Jah or Maxine Davis

SUPPORTED BY

PEOPLE’SHEALTH TRUST

[email protected]@gmail.com

Tel: 07946303384 / 07511371750

Community mojatu.com�2

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

Communitymojatu.com Nottingham connected �3

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

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It is estimated that 2.7 billion people worldwide rely on traditional biomass fuels (fuelwood, charcoal, animal dung, grass etc.) to meet basic cooking, heating and lighting needs. In these situations, most people will use traditional ‘open’ cookstoves and will often cook inside their homes.

As well as being fuel inefficient (they are estimated to contribute around a third of global carbon monoxide emissions), the use of traditional fuels and stoves expose women and children to harmful levels of household air pollution – a major cause of respiratory disease and premature death, and have wider

environmental and gender impacts given that women and girls spend several hours a day collecting fuel, thus compromising their education and putting them at risk of sexual violence.

Improved cookstoves (pictured) are designed to burn biomass fuels more efficiently and have been promoted by a range of governments, charities and international organisations since the 1940s. Despite these interventions however, the uptake and sustained use of these stoves has been slow. Reasons for failure include cost, cultural resistance to change, access and availability of fuel and the failure to understand users’ needs.

THE GrEAT AFrICAN bAkE-oFF By Dr Charlotte Ray (University of Nottingham)

on Monday 14th September 2015, the university of Nottingham hosted the Great African bake-off where academics, policy makers and practitioners were invited to observe volunteers from the women’s Cultural Exchange cook delicious food from a range of Sub-Saharan African countries (including Nigeria, Eritrea, Sudan, and Malawi) on a variety of Improved Cookstoves.

The university of Nottingham team up with the women’s Cultural Exchange (part of the Nottingham refugee Forum)

The University Of Nottingham are currently running a three year project looking at the barriers to the introduction and uptake of improved cooking technology in East and Southern Africa (http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/barriers/index.aspx) and one of the most important aspects of this is to better understand how end-users (those who are supposed to go out and buy this technology) interact with the stoves and how that impacts on adoption and sustained use.

The Nottingham team (consisting of Dr Charlotte Ray, Dr Mike Clifford and Dr Sarah Jewitt) were particularly keen to encourage guests to interact with both the technology and end-users to discuss user preferences, performance, safety and wider cultural (especially gender) considerations surrounding energy/fuel choice.

Victoria Mponda, coordinator of the Women’s Cultural Exchange said of the event: “The opportunity given to us by the University of Nottingham to showcase our cooking skills was more than we could have imagined. We are always looking for opportunities to show people just how amazing our women are, to remove the stigma that is associated with our background.

These are the moments that I love because it is through them that I notice the leaps and growth within the women. Being given a chance to interact with the wider community removes all the barriers they face or imagine, these moments gives us a larger hope for our future from the limbo that we face. It was home, safe and made everyone in the group very happy to be part of it”.

The Women’s Cultural Exchange is a local voluntary community group in Nottingham that supports the development and empowerment of women from a refugee and asylum background. The group supports and enables women to address multiple stress factors and remove the significant isolation they experience in the uncertainty of the asylum process and also adjusting to life in the UK. The group has members from over 30 countries from around the world, and is based in St Ann’s at the Sycamore community centre where the Nottingham Refugee Forum offer them a premises for their weekly meetings and a place to hold most of their activities. For more information contact: [email protected]; Facebooks Page: WCE NOTTS; Twitter: womenscultureexchange

Chitetezo Mbaula made in Malawi Ace stove manufactured in Lesotho

Jiko Koa stove manufactured in Kenyavv

Get online with Belong! By Ramota Lawal Currently they’re running a series of fun, free and beginner computer and online lessons at 32 Gregory Boulevard, Hyson Green, Nottingham, NG7 6BG on Monday to Thursday between 9am and 5pm.

Belong are challenging everyone who has never used a computer to get online, with their support and services - allowing you to do everyday things the digital way and be part of the national Learn My Way campaign. As a UK Online Centre in Nottingham, Belong “firmly believes computers and the internet can make everyone’s life easier and better.” Belong states that “Our learners can benefit from being able to do on-line job searches and applications as well as getting in touch with family and friends through email and Facebook. The course is completed at a pace that suits the individual learner and our staff and volunteers are around to offer help and support”. Belong joins other online centres who are motivated in helping an estimated 7 million people in the UK who are not online. The programme targets over 11 million that do not have the skills or confidence to make the most of the internet. Belong invites anyone and everyone to come along and take part. For more information, contact [email protected] or Belong as per details below

Belong.

32 Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 6GB.

01159790015 | [email protected]

Communitymojatu.com Nottingham connected ��

It is estimated that 2.7 billion people worldwide rely on traditional biomass fuels (fuelwood, charcoal, animal dung, grass etc.) to meet basic cooking, heating and lighting needs. In these situations, most people will use traditional ‘open’ cookstoves and will often cook inside their homes.

As well as being fuel inefficient (they are estimated to contribute around a third of global carbon monoxide emissions), the use of traditional fuels and stoves expose women and children to harmful levels of household air pollution – a major cause of respiratory disease and premature death, and have wider

environmental and gender impacts given that women and girls spend several hours a day collecting fuel, thus compromising their education and putting them at risk of sexual violence.

Improved cookstoves (pictured) are designed to burn biomass fuels more efficiently and have been promoted by a range of governments, charities and international organisations since the 1940s. Despite these interventions however, the uptake and sustained use of these stoves has been slow. Reasons for failure include cost, cultural resistance to change, access and availability of fuel and the failure to understand users’ needs.

THE GrEAT AFrICAN bAkE-oFF By Dr Charlotte Ray (University of Nottingham)

on Monday 14th September 2015, the university of Nottingham hosted the Great African bake-off where academics, policy makers and practitioners were invited to observe volunteers from the women’s Cultural Exchange cook delicious food from a range of Sub-Saharan African countries (including Nigeria, Eritrea, Sudan, and Malawi) on a variety of Improved Cookstoves.

The university of Nottingham team up with the women’s Cultural Exchange (part of the Nottingham refugee Forum)

The University Of Nottingham are currently running a three year project looking at the barriers to the introduction and uptake of improved cooking technology in East and Southern Africa (http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/barriers/index.aspx) and one of the most important aspects of this is to better understand how end-users (those who are supposed to go out and buy this technology) interact with the stoves and how that impacts on adoption and sustained use.

The Nottingham team (consisting of Dr Charlotte Ray, Dr Mike Clifford and Dr Sarah Jewitt) were particularly keen to encourage guests to interact with both the technology and end-users to discuss user preferences, performance, safety and wider cultural (especially gender) considerations surrounding energy/fuel choice.

Victoria Mponda, coordinator of the Women’s Cultural Exchange said of the event: “The opportunity given to us by the University of Nottingham to showcase our cooking skills was more than we could have imagined. We are always looking for opportunities to show people just how amazing our women are, to remove the stigma that is associated with our background.

These are the moments that I love because it is through them that I notice the leaps and growth within the women. Being given a chance to interact with the wider community removes all the barriers they face or imagine, these moments gives us a larger hope for our future from the limbo that we face. It was home, safe and made everyone in the group very happy to be part of it”.

The Women’s Cultural Exchange is a local voluntary community group in Nottingham that supports the development and empowerment of women from a refugee and asylum background. The group supports and enables women to address multiple stress factors and remove the significant isolation they experience in the uncertainty of the asylum process and also adjusting to life in the UK. The group has members from over 30 countries from around the world, and is based in St Ann’s at the Sycamore community centre where the Nottingham Refugee Forum offer them a premises for their weekly meetings and a place to hold most of their activities. For more information contact: [email protected]; Facebooks Page: WCE NOTTS; Twitter: womenscultureexchange

Jiko Koa stove manufactured in Kenyavv

Get online with Belong! By Ramota Lawal Currently they’re running a series of fun, free and beginner computer and online lessons at 32 Gregory Boulevard, Hyson Green, Nottingham, NG7 6BG on Monday to Thursday between 9am and 5pm.

Belong are challenging everyone who has never used a computer to get online, with their support and services - allowing you to do everyday things the digital way and be part of the national Learn My Way campaign. As a UK Online Centre in Nottingham, Belong “firmly believes computers and the internet can make everyone’s life easier and better.” Belong states that “Our learners can benefit from being able to do on-line job searches and applications as well as getting in touch with family and friends through email and Facebook. The course is completed at a pace that suits the individual learner and our staff and volunteers are around to offer help and support”. Belong joins other online centres who are motivated in helping an estimated 7 million people in the UK who are not online. The programme targets over 11 million that do not have the skills or confidence to make the most of the internet. Belong invites anyone and everyone to come along and take part. For more information, contact [email protected] or Belong as per details below

Belong.

32 Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 6GB.

01159790015 | [email protected]

Community�� mojatu.com

The Nottingham Sports Group (NSG) held two days’ sports extravaganza in Hyson Green on 29th & 30th August 2015. The event attracted over 500 people and saw local and regional participants engage in various sports activaties at the Forest Recreational Grounds.

The 7-A-Side Football Tournament was held on Saturday with over 18s adult teams while women and young people played on Sunday. The over 18s had 10 teams of 14 players, and the under 13s and 13s, 10 teams of 12 players each.10 teams of 12 players each.

Mojatu Foundation and Blue Mountain Women (BMW)

recruited women and girls to play and raise awareness of Female Genital Mutilation.

The event was sponsored by among others the BMW, African Institute of Social Development, Nottingham City Council, Belong, the Nottingham Confucius Institute (NCI)in Nottingham University, Hyson Green Youth Club, Mojatu Foundation and Sneinton Community Group. It was a culmination of a whole year’s sports events held in various parts of the city including Nottingham University and Ecocentre, Home Farm at Screveton, Nottinghamshire.

Two DAy wEEkEND SPorTS

ExTrAVAGANzA HELD IN

NoTTINGHAM!

The festival provided community chance to see the services and opportunities available locally in a fun and safe environment. The sun and the Afro-beat enveloped the festival in a bubble of safety, fun and good-will. Everyone present interacted with others in a positive way, and took an interest in their local community.

Some people had heard about the day from social media, other the Riverside Festival, and others were passing by, saw the festival in swing and decided to stop by to see what was happening. People came away feeling that organisations in the community had plenty to offer, but lacked funding, as one woman said; “It’s nice that it’s not all commercial, and has a community feel, but I would have liked to hear about it sooner.”

2015 theme was Ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

mojatu.com Nottingham connected Community ��

The Nottingham Sports Group (NSG) held two days’ sports extravaganza in Hyson Green on 29th & 30th August 2015. The event attracted over 500 people and saw local and regional participants engage in various sports activaties at the Forest Recreational Grounds.

The 7-A-Side Football Tournament was held on Saturday with over 18s adult teams while women and young people played on Sunday. The over 18s had 10 teams of 14 players, and the under 13s and 13s, 10 teams of 12 players each.10 teams of 12 players each.

Mojatu Foundation and Blue Mountain Women (BMW)

recruited women and girls to play and raise awareness of Female Genital Mutilation.

The event was sponsored by among others the BMW, African Institute of Social Development, Nottingham City Council, Belong, the Nottingham Confucius Institute (NCI)in Nottingham University, Hyson Green Youth Club, Mojatu Foundation and Sneinton Community Group. It was a culmination of a whole year’s sports events held in various parts of the city including Nottingham University and Ecocentre, Home Farm at Screveton, Nottinghamshire.

The festival provided community chance to see the services and opportunities available locally in a fun and safe environment. The sun and the Afro-beat enveloped the festival in a bubble of safety, fun and good-will. Everyone present interacted with others in a positive way, and took an interest in their local community.

Some people had heard about the day from social media, other the Riverside Festival, and others were passing by, saw the festival in swing and decided to stop by to see what was happening. People came away feeling that organisations in the community had plenty to offer, but lacked funding, as one woman said; “It’s nice that it’s not all commercial, and has a community feel, but I would have liked to hear about it sooner.”

2015 theme was Ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

HySoN GrEEN CuLTurAL FESTIVAL - By Irene AmAdIThe Hyson Green Cultural Festival, winner of 2014 best Community event

held on August 8th at the Forest Field recreation Ground.

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.

�� Community mojatu.com

The High Commissioner H.E Lazarus Amayo led a delegation of Kenyan Universities and an entourage of officials from the London High Commissioners office. During the visit, the team visited Nottingham University, Nottingham Trent University, Met Business and Nottingham City Council Leaders and met Kenyans, led by Kenyan Nottingham Welfare Association at the New Art Exchange.

kenya High Commissioner’s visit to Nottingham

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”.

mojatu.com Nottingham connected Community ��

The High Commissioner H.E Lazarus Amayo led a delegation of Kenyan Universities and an entourage of officials from the London High Commissioners office. During the visit, the team visited Nottingham University, Nottingham Trent University, Met Business and Nottingham City Council Leaders and met Kenyans, led by Kenyan Nottingham Welfare Association at the New Art Exchange.

réTICE-DIGITAL SCHooL LAuNCHED

IN FrANCE - By Victor Agbegnenou

Solar powered back-pack for integrated students reCITe

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

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

• Quality animal protein,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.

Arts & Culture22 mojatu.com

Interview questions

for Maia von Lekov

When and how did you first become interested in music?

I became interested in music at a very young age. My mum told me that I used to sing and hum around the house all the time. At the age of 10, I used to sit in front of my mums stereo for hours singing along with my favourite singers.

What drew you to performing in nottingham?

A wonderful friend, Veronica Pickering visits Nairobi often, and she mentioned about the opportunities of performing in Nottingham. Several years later, the plan came to fruition and I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Skinder Hundal from NAE.

When performing at the nAe, what did you feel was the most unforgettable moment?

NAE is an amazing place where people can come together from all over the world to showcase their work, collaborate and make long-term connections for future collaborations across the globe. For me, this was an exciting prospect, and I look forward to working with NAE both here in Kenya and in the UK.

Josh Osoro was my interviewer during our conversation, and it was really nice to be able to speak about how the creative industry in Kenya is booming, and what my songs represent. I then performed several songs in both Kiswahili and English and the overall response and vibe was great!

What inspires you when composing and performing music?

When I compose music I am inspired by things around me. This may be a photograph I see, an article I read, a conversation with my husband or an interaction with a policeman that triggers something inside of me to then jot it down and make something of it.

Performing these new songs to an audience is always a nerve racking experience as these songs are very personal and emotional and you always wonder what people will think. Getting on stage, I am nervous for 5minutes before, and then when I get up on stage I am a different person. I let it all out!

Who are your major influencers in your music?

I have many influences. Growing up, I listened to a lot of female jazz singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Natalie Cole. Later on in life I listened to a lot of African musicians such as Papa Wemba, Manu Dibango, Miriam Makeba, and the Mighty Cavaliers. My father, Sal Davis was also a well known musician in Kenya back in the 60’s and 70’s and although he was not around much when I was growing up, I idolised him and he was a big influence to my music.

What are your favourite aspects of producing music?

My favourite aspects of producing music would be composing, and then taking my rough guitar/vocal compositions to my band for them to add their flavours creating something unique.

How would you phrase the messages behind your music?

Contemplative, hypnotic and fearless.

Why did you choose to play this kind of music?

My influences are both European and African, like my heritage. I did not choose to play this music, this music chose to play me.

Which places have you performed in / at?

I have performed across Africa, gracing the stages of prominent festivals such as Visa for Music (Morocco), HIFA (Zimbabwe), Kigali UP (Rwanda), Sauti za Busara (Zanzibar), The Great Rift Valley Festival and Blankets & Wine (Kenya). I have also performed in Australia, Poland and most recently in the UK.

What else do you do besides play music?

Other than music, which is my main game, I am working on my first documentary that I am co-directing and co-producing with my husband, Chris King. The documentary is about life, music and the inter-generational divide between the youth and the elderly along the coast of Kenya.

What challenges and opportunities exist for younger upcoming musicians?

The opportunities for young upcoming musicians are growing by the day. Firstly there is a new appreciation for Kenyan music, and people are keen to listen and support upcoming talents in all genres and there are more spaces where musicians can perform.

The challenges for young musicians are finding places that will pay a substantial fee for performing. A platform and support from the media, and when recording, finding producers who know what sound you want.

mojatu.com Nottingham connected Arts & Culture 23

When and how did you first become interested in music?

I became interested in music at a very young age. My mum told me that I used to sing and hum around the house all the time. At the age of 10, I used to sit in front of my mums stereo for hours singing along with my favourite singers.

What drew you to performing in nottingham?

A wonderful friend, Veronica Pickering visits Nairobi often, and she mentioned about the opportunities of performing in Nottingham. Several years later, the plan came to fruition and I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Skinder Hundal from NAE.

When performing at the nAe, what did you feel was the most unforgettable moment?

NAE is an amazing place where people can come together from all over the world to showcase their work, collaborate and make long-term connections for future collaborations across the globe. For me, this was an exciting prospect, and I look forward to working with NAE both here in Kenya and in the UK.

Josh Osoro was my interviewer during our conversation, and it was really nice to be able to speak about how the creative industry in Kenya is booming, and what my songs represent. I then performed several songs in both Kiswahili and English and the overall response and vibe was great!

What inspires you when composing and performing music?

When I compose music I am inspired by things around me. This may be a photograph I see, an article I read, a conversation with my husband or an interaction with a policeman that triggers something inside of me to then jot it down and make something of it.

Performing these new songs to an audience is always a nerve racking experience as these songs are very personal and emotional and you always wonder what people will think. Getting on stage, I am nervous for 5minutes before, and then when I get up on stage I am a different person. I let it all out!

Who are your major influencers in your music?

I have many influences. Growing up, I listened to a lot of female jazz singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Natalie Cole. Later on in life I listened to a lot of African musicians such as Papa Wemba, Manu Dibango, Miriam Makeba, and the Mighty Cavaliers. My father, Sal Davis was also a well known musician in Kenya back in the 60’s and 70’s and although he was not around much when I was growing up, I idolised him and he was a big influence to my music.

What are your favourite aspects of producing music?

My favourite aspects of producing music would be composing, and then taking my rough guitar/vocal compositions to my band for them to add their flavours creating something unique.

How would you phrase the messages behind your music?

Contemplative, hypnotic and fearless.

Why did you choose to play this kind of music?

My influences are both European and African, like my heritage. I did not choose to play this music, this music chose to play me.

Which places have you performed in / at?

I have performed across Africa, gracing the stages of prominent festivals such as Visa for Music (Morocco), HIFA (Zimbabwe), Kigali UP (Rwanda), Sauti za Busara (Zanzibar), The Great Rift Valley Festival and Blankets & Wine (Kenya). I have also performed in Australia, Poland and most recently in the UK.

What else do you do besides play music?

Other than music, which is my main game, I am working on my first documentary that I am co-directing and co-producing with my husband, Chris King. The documentary is about life, music and the inter-generational divide between the youth and the elderly along the coast of Kenya.

What challenges and opportunities exist for younger upcoming musicians?

The opportunities for young upcoming musicians are growing by the day. Firstly there is a new appreciation for Kenyan music, and people are keen to listen and support upcoming talents in all genres and there are more spaces where musicians can perform.

The challenges for young musicians are finding places that will pay a substantial fee for performing. A platform and support from the media, and when recording, finding producers who know what sound you want.

Joshua Osoro Pickering interviewed Maia after her

performance at the New Art Exchange. Joshua is an Artistic Producer at New Art Exchange. He has worked in Education and the Arts for the past 10 years and

lived in four countries; Britain, France, Brazil and Kenya. Joshua

is a native of Nottinghamshire.

2� 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 Nottingham connected Arts & Culture 2�

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

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

Education & Career mojatu.com2�

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

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

Nottingham connected Education & Career 2�mojatu.com

2� Education & Career mojatu.com

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?

mojatu

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.com ClassifiedNottingham connected 2�

mojatu

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]

INSITE RADIO (U.K) C.I.C.WWW.INSITERADIO.INFO

26 PEVERIL STREET, NOTTINGHAM, NG7 4AL

TEL 07832408348

Insite Radio wants to inspire the Africanand her descendants to move with the

knowledge of what fellow community members are doing to changing lives and inspire hope

and encouragement for a better future.

DJs:JACOB OPOKU,

MANAGING DIRECTOR

KWAME OSEI, JOHN K.AGBODJAN,

JOSEPH OWIREDU

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

Interviews with Mrs Rose Thompson, Director BME Cancer Communities, Understanding and Tackling cancer,

Interviews with Peres Owino, Director `Bound: Africans vs. African-Americans’

The year in review (8 pages in photos) and much more

mojatu

30 Classified mojatu.com

System and Laptop Packages

Quantity deals available Pallet, 20ft and 40ft containers

WorldWide Shipping!

We can supply all tier one brands such as dell, hp, compaq, toshiba

and many more.

Stock is fully tested 2nd user with warranty

Please call or Email for our latest export offers.

Tel: +44 (0)203 6278 078 e: [email protected] www.mojatu.com/it

Computer export Companyoffering trade priCes on

Experience the Unique taste of Ethiopian Cuisine71-73 Alfreton Road, Nottingham NG7 3JL0115 978 2817 07852 469975www.eathabesha.com [email protected]

Enjoy Ethiopian Food በኢትዮጵያ ባህላዊ ምግቦች ይደሰቱ!

Veronica E. Barnes07790158615

Blue Mountain Women [email protected]

We meet at Self-help Nottingham &NottinghamshireOrmiston House 32 -36 Pelham Street, Nottingham NG1 2EGEvery 3rd Thursday of each month 6pm - 8pm

Blue Mountain Women’s Enterprise: Made up of women from African-Caribbean and African backgrounds where they share experiences and knowledge thus enabling them to lead more fulfilled lives.

Contacts: Veronica E. barnes07790158615bluemountainwomen@gmail.comwww.bluemountainwomen.org

Meetings held every 3rd Thurday of the month fro 6.30 till 8.00pm at Self Help Nottngham and Nottnghamshire,Ormiston House, 32-36 Pelham Street,Nottngham, NG1 2EG

mojatu.com Nottingham connected Classified 3�

Mojatu Foundation will be extending its operations to the Gambia in partnership with the Gambia Women’s Bureau. The first field trip is organised for February 2016 and volunteers are invited to join the delegation. In addition to launching the magazine in February, Mojatu is supporting an initiative to ship

a container of items to be distributed to FGM survivor’s in the Gambia

Volunteers could help us with:1) �onate items to �e shipped�onate items to �e shipped 2) �aising awareness�aising awareness3) �ollecting and delivering�ollecting and delivering

items to �e shipped4) Fundraising for the tripFundraising for the trip5) �upporting the team with�upporting the team with

reports and articles writing6) ��

meetings with different stakeholders.

For more information please contact:AB�ouliE JAH M: +447946303384 +44115 8457 009 E: [email protected]

VAlENtiNE NKoyo M: +447794372214 +44115 8457 009 E: [email protected]

Mojatu Foundation 167 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 3JR W: www.mojatufoundation.com and www.mojatu.com

THANKS FOR YOUR COOPERATION & GENEROUS SUPPORT!

Medical equipment

Functional computers / laptops /

printers

Books, Pens,

pencils, other learning materials

�lean clothes,

shoes, socks

Blankets, towels, �ed

sheets,

�ewing machine, glasses &

lenses

�ports equipment

Farming tools

ladies �icycles &

toys

Jewellery, lady’s �ags &

cosmetics

Items to be donated and shipped include:

Come with us to The Gambia £500!

All inclusive

The HIV and sexual health charity for lifeWebsite: www.tht.org.uk Registered office: 314-320 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8DP Tel: 020 7812 1600 Email: [email protected] Higgins Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (reg no. 288527) and in Scotland (SC039986).Company reg. no. 1778149. A company limited by guarantee.

Join our new project to empower people from African communities to make that change. We are working with faith leaders, community leaders and members of the business community to:

• challenge HIV-related stigma• be a voice within the community• pass on skills and knowledge• make a difference• offer accredited training.

Terrence Higgins Trust will train you to deliver HIV and sexual health awareness to the community.

Please contactfor more information:

Tel:

Email:

Would you like to influence the perception of HIVwithin your community?

Do you want to be a champion of change?

Amdani Juma

07468 725988

[email protected]

For more information please contact:

Amdani Juma

T: 07468725988

E: [email protected]

Terrence Higgins Trust

Unit 1, 12 High Pavement,

Lace Market,

Nottingham | NG1 1HN

The HIV and sexual health charity for lifeWebsite: www.tht.org.uk Registered office: 314-320 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8DP Tel: 020 7812 1600 Email: [email protected] Higgins Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (reg no. 288527) and in Scotland (SC039986).Company reg. no. 1778149. A company limited by guarantee.

Join our new project to empower people from African communities to make that change. We are working with faith leaders, community leaders and members of the business community to:

• challenge HIV-related stigma• be a voice within the community• pass on skills and knowledge• make a difference• offer accredited training.

Terrence Higgins Trust will train you to deliver HIV and sexual health awareness to the community.

Please contactfor more information:

Tel:

Email:

Would you like to influence the perception of HIVwithin your community?

Do you want to be a champion of change?

Amdani Juma

07468 725988

[email protected]

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Mojatu magazine issue m019

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