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Sunday Nation November 4, 2007
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Did you know?
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What U say
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It’s story time
Story by MUNYAO MUTINDA
They could have gone diving
in the Philippines or windsurfing
and kayaking in China. Or even
mountain climbing in Kilimanjaro.
But 76 students of King George V
School, an international
Rare Visit that Brightened Tala
»Pg3
2 Sunday Nation November 4, 2007It
’s s
tory
tim
e
Editor says...
Managing Editor: Mutuma Mathiu
Editor: Liz Gitonga-Wanjohi
Contributors: Olive Munyi, Mworia Muchina, Fred Orido, Njoki Karuoya, Esther Nyaiyaki, Samuel Muigai, Joash Osewe, John Muchiri
Creative Director: Kamau Wanyoike
Designer: Anini Andrew
Photography:Olive Munyi
ILLU
ST
RA
TIO
N/I
GA
H
The cricket’s story
The clock is fast ticking for our brothers and sisters in Class 8. As you prepare for your
exams, remember all the answers to the questions will be the same things that your lovely teachers have been teaching you therefore do not panic. Use the remaining time well and revise but do not lock yourself in your rooms for hours as you still need sufficient rest and play to keep your brains freshened. Oh, by the way, it is also that time when success cards should be coming your way. It is nice to know that people wish us well but does receiving one make you pass with flying colours? Read ‘What You Say’ and find out what some candidates said about that crucial success card.
Some of the candidates who will be having the best of atmosphere as they sit for their exams are those from Tala Primary School. Reason? They have just had their classrooms refurbished. Not by the school administration, not by the area chief but by newly-found friends from hundreds of miles away from Tala. The work was done by a group of 76 students all the way from Hong Kong who saved-up to do something that will make a difference to a community that is not theirs. Read that inspiring story on our ‘cover story.’
Your favourite magazine is also packed with the usual interesting columns and humorous cartoons. Do not forget to check out the photography competition and try out your luck. Some of the world’s best photographers never knew that they were capable of taking great photos until they tried. You could be next.
Enjoy!
Many years ago,
Kreecha the cricket
lived in the scrublands
of Samburu, always singing a
merry tune as he worked. The
other animals liked his music
and they decided to make
him the news-broadcaster
of their territory. Kreecha’s
shrill cheeping and constant
chirping gave the animals
all the information they
needed about the dangers
in the wild. In return for his
service, they offered to look
after all of Kreecha’s needs.
Kreecha now simply forayed
and frolicked around enjoying
himself. He soon thought that
he was indispensable and that
the lives of all the animals in
Samburu depended on him. He
started making unreasonable
demands on the animals asking
for exotic worms and insects
for his food and even for the
best of green leaves for his bed.
The animals were unhappy but
yet they obliged for Kreecha’s
role in this unfriendly terrain
was really important.
One summer day an impala
herd spotted a strange creature
grazing in the edge of the
scrubland. Fearing for their
safety they rushed to Kreecha
requesting him to check out
this new danger and to inform
the animals. A puffed up and
boastful Kreecha agreed but
demanded a year’s supply of
worms to do his job. He flitted
off to the jungle’s edge and
saw the strange animal. The
animal was a huge hippo that
was harmlessly grazing. The
wicked Kreecha decided to play
a prank. He started cheeping
shrill and loud. His screeching
scared the animals who ran
helter-skelter for safety. A
much-amused Kreecha came
back and scoffed at the animals
mocking their fears and fright.
And all the while Koli “the
God of the scrubland” was
watching. It angered him
to see Kreecha spoiling the
harmony of the scrubland. He
decided that the cricket must
be taught a lesson. As Kreecha
was cheeping and swinging
from a branch, Koli appeared
in the form of a huge invisible
web and wound himself around
Kreecha’s neck. In panic,
Kreecha struggled to get rid of
the web, cheeping and hopping
wildly. The other animals saw
him and wondered why he
was screaming and hopping
so much. Kreecha hopped and
cheeped for several days and
soon all the animals left him to
his fate. Kreecha realised that
he was being punished. He
prayed to Koli for forgiveness.
Koli relented but decided that it
was best if Kreecha hopped and
cheeped. That way he would
never swell in arrogance and
pride. No wonder, crickets are
always seen hopping and heard
cheeping shrilly, not just in
Samburu but the world over!!
- VAISHNAVI RAM MOHAN
TRIZAR KIHARA (with pix)Happy birthday! As you
celebrate your seventh
birthday, remember that we
celebrate
this great
day in
your life
as we pray
that the
Almighty
God
blesses
you with all the best things
in life. May you live to be the
best. Best wishes from your
dad Samuel, mum Christine,
brothers Bernard Kihara and
John, sister Grace, aunties,
uncles, and your schoolmates.
BARBARA NYAGOHA MBAIHappy second birthday! May
you live to blow 1001 candles.
May God also bless you with
long life so that joy, peace and
happiness never leave your
ever smiling and jovial face.
Best wishes from dad Mbai,
mum Eglai, Diana, Marvin,
aunty Jane and the Kibets.
BEATRICE MUKUIHappy birthday! You are a
bundle of joy and pride to
us. May you live to blow 1001
candles. Best wishes from aunt
Hope Opoh.
CLAUDIA MWIKALI TSINDOLIHappy ninth birthday! May you
live to blow 1001 candles. May
favour and God’s blessings be
upon you. Best wishes from
dad Jose, mum Annie and
your sister Amanda.
BENSON MARK KANYI GACAGUAHappy second birthday! May
you live to be a God-fearing
boy. Best wishes from your
beloved parents, Florence
and George, grandparents
Susan and Benson, Purity and
Stanley, cousins Josephat,
Betty Ann, Jose, Benson,
Denis, Collins, Vivian, caretaker
Ann, aunties and uncles.
MERCY NJERI KAHUNGOAs you celebrate your eighth
birthday, we continue to thank
God for the joy you have
brought to our family. We pray
that you may grow strong
in spirit, filled with wisdom
and that the grace of God
may always be with you. Best
wishes from sister Grace, mum
and dad.
VANNESSA SHIRROH NJOROGEHappy Birthday as you turn
seven years old. We could
not let this day go unnoticed
as you
are such a
special gift
to us. We
thank God
for giving
you good
health.
Birthday wishes from Dad D.J
Sweet Njoro, Mum ‘Wild Roze’,
Bro Tevin, Aunties - Mugure,
Terry, Carey and Njoki. Uncles
Wabz and B.O grand Pa’s
Mbiyu and Muriuki and Grand
Ma’s Margaret and Beth and all
your friendz.
SOLOMON NGUGI MACHARIANgugi, you are a special son
in our lives and that’s why we
cannot let your 12th birthday
pass unnoticed. We wish you
God’s guidance and blessings
and may you live to be an
obedient and hardworking
young man. Best wishes from
dad Timothy, mum Naomi
Wanjiru, sister Charity Waithira
Macharia, grandparents,
uncles, aunties and all your
cousins.
MICHELLE P. OTWORIHappy belated birthday.
You are now two years old
sweetie. You really mean a lot
to us than words can explain
dear. May you grow up to be
a God-fearing girl. May you
live beyond the use of the
walking stuff. Best wishes
from dad Alfred, mum Rose,
sister Ashilley, cousin Lydiah,
aunties Merroline and Gesare,
grandmas and grandpas.
IAN JOB ONYANGOHappy birthday! You are
now five years old. You
are God’s blessing and a
source of inspiration to us.
May you grow to be honest,
hardworking and God-fearing.
Best wishes from loving mum,
auntie Jackie, Ben, Amos,
Linnet, Joy, Esther, Monica,
grandparents and friends.
Sunday Nation 3November 4, 2007
«Pg 1
high school in Kowloon, Hong Kong, chose to do something different.
They jetted into Kenya and, instead of heading straight to the Maasai Mara -- the Seventh Wonder of the World -- they travelled 60km east of Nairobi to Tala, Kangundo District, to visit Tala Boys’ Primary School.
The students arrived in Tala on Kenyatta Day (October 20), bearing flowers and various gifts for their hosts. A jubilant mood caught on in the school not only because of the visitors but also because majority of the pupils had not seen so many white people in their life.
The Tala community, led by the school headteacher Mr Richard Mutuku and his deputy Ms Josephine Nzioki, welcomed the visitors warmly. The following day, the Hong Kong students started what they had come to do – to give the school, started in 1946, the much needed facelift.
The students had collected some money -- 17,500 Hong Kong dollars each, according to the school’s website – for the tour, which was part of the newly launched Challenge Week.
The Challenge Week, according to the teacher in charge of the tour Mrs Margaret Renshaw, is a new concept mooted only this year, where students have an opportunity to take part in an activity, event or skill, which provides them with a personal challenge that most likely takes them out of their “comfort zone.”
The activities are aimed at helping the students learn outside the classroom and promote teamwork and personal development, and to provide some form of Creativity, Action or Service (CAS) to the community.
Mrs Renshaw said they began planning for the tour in February. There were many options, including New York, China, Philippines, Kilimanjaro, Cambodia and Australia, but the group of 76 chose to come to Kenya and interact with the pupils. With little knowledge about Kenya, they used Les Elfes International, a Swiss school travel company, which in turn used Amicabre, a Nairobi-based tour company, to identify a deserving charity.
Les Elfes’ Ken Haggarty and Max Mugaisi of Amicabre toured several schools in the country and finally settled on Tala, a mixed day and boarding primary school in Tala town. The school has about 1,200 pupils, 56 of whom
have different physical disabilities. “We considered the children with disabilities, the rich history of the school and the discipline at the school. It was ideal,” said Mugaisi.
When they settled on the school, they bought building materials and hired construction workers who plastered eight classrooms. The work, according to Mugaisi, took seven days to finish. So on Kenyatta Day, the King George students, aged between 13 and 18 years, arrived eager to give the construction works the final touch. They painted seven classrooms, complete with colourful murals on the walls, and built concrete pavements for the handicapped children to push their wheelchairs on. And behold, it was beautiful.
Before they left Kowloon, Mrs Renshaw had warned the group to prepare for intensive physical activity. “You’ll sweat, but when you have finished you’ll think, ‘We built that!’” she told the group. The students did not disappoint her. From the way they waltzed around while working, they had absolute fun and enjoyed what they were doing. While all this happened, the Tala pupils stayed away, and it was a pleasant surprise when the “new” classrooms were unveiled on Monday
afternoon.“We are very pleased with what you
have done here. We have no words to thank you,” said Mr Mutuku at the opening ceremony. The murals feature wild animals and Oriental themes. Before the ceremony, the children had engaged in different activities, mostly involving play and painting. Although language was something of a barrier, all seemed to enjoy themselves. It was fun, fun and more fun. They sang and danced and played. They ate together and exchanged gifts. The activities brought smiles to everyone, including the children with special learning needs, who seemed to have forgotten their troubles. They jigged in joy.
There were Isikhuti, Pokomo and Kamba acrobatic dances performed by the Tala pupils. King George V students, on their part, performed love ballads and pop songs playing different instruments, including the guitar and the piano. The visitors were delighted to be in Kenya and particularly to interact with the Tala community. One of the students, Glenn Cox, could hardly hide his joy at being in the country.
“This is my first time in Africa. It
surprised me how much Kenya is developed. Nairobi is especially developed, which surprised me after the stories we hear about Africa in Hong Kong,” he said.
“The people here are so warm, so welcoming, the weather is so warm… the sun… it’s always raining in Hong Kong,” added Sahil Gupta, the school’s head prefect. “It’s a good getaway,” Sahil said. The students said they were happy to make a difference in the lives of their Kenyan peers. “We realised the privileges that we enjoy in Hong Kong and the challenges that these pupils face, especially the handicapped, and decided to make a difference in their lives,” said Sahil. “We came and served and learnt a lot from that service,” he added.
“The pupils were fantastic. Kenyans are so happy,” Glenn observed. “We were touched,” added Sahil. At the end of the three-day visit, the Tala Boys’ pupils had a lot to celebrate. Their visitors showered them with more gifts, including a cheque of 10,000 Hong Kong dollars (Sh85,000). There were toys of all shapes and colours, markers, pens, balls and blankets for the Small Home inmates. They also left their yearbook and a handbook on Hong Kong for their hosts to learn more about the country.
Cover: Andrew Yang (left) of King George V School meets Mbula Mutuku (centre) and Diana Muinde of Tala Primary School. Francisca Kanini (foreground left) shows Zoe Lau around her school while Nduku Peter and Zoha Jamil fall in step.
Above: King George students paint Murals on one of the classroom walls.
A rare Visit that put a Smile on Pupils of Tala
PH
OTO
S /A
LE
xA
ND
RA
CA
RLIL
E
4 Sunday Nation Sunday Nation 5
.
November 4, 2007
PH
OTO
S/J
OH
N M
UC
HIR
I
The Kenya Certificate for Primary Education
examinations will begin mid this month. Traditionally,
when candidates are preparing to sit their exams,
relatives, friends and schoolmates send cards to wish
them success. But what is the significance of success
wishes during exams? Does not receiving a success
card in any way affect the candidates’ performance?
Some children who are sitting their national
examinations this year shared their views. MWORIA
MUCHINA interviewed them.
Book: Kunda: The Story of a Child Soldier
Genre: Senior story books
Author: Peter Cozza
Publisher: Pauline’s publications
Africa
Reviewed by: OLIVE MUNYI
Perhaps you have heard and even studies about war and conflicts that have rocked most African
countries at one point or another. But more so there is war on going just in our neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Sudan and Somali. However, the people who suffer the blunt of such wars are mostly women and children. They are raped and forced to watch their loved ones killed. Children are abducted and millions more separated from their families as they run for dear life.
‘Kunda: The Story of a Child Soldier’ is a short but intense real life accounts of a young boy who was abducted
by rebel soldiers in Uganda. Kunda, a character that is writing a diary for all to share in his thought of a painful past and a hope for a brighter future, tells the story in the first person.
Like millions of children soldiers in Africa, Kunda a Ugandan boy was kidnapped from his family and forced to become a rebel in the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) at nine years of age. The LRA has been fighting with the government’s Peoples Defense Forces (PDF) for over 20 years and what this means is that for the rebels to sustain the labour force, they use children to fight the
war.Once in
captivity the soldiers are forced to loot, kill and
burn villages while most of the girls become sex slaves or wives to the rebel commanders. Those who attempt to escape are killed in the presence of others, this is meant to serve as a lesson to anyone who might be contemplating the idea.
Kunda had been in the bush four years since he was abducted and now he is facing the test of his loyalty to the rebellion. He was finally going home to his village. Finally, he could see his siblings, parents and other relatives. But his assignment was brief and precise. ‘We need food and new children to
continue our fighting,’ lieutenant Rodu had commanded him. He was going home to terrorise and kill his own people, something that has deeply traumatised him yet he knew that this was the course he and other children had committed to.
Kunda leads a troop of soldiers to neighbouring villages. They are lucky enough to find food but every step they make takes them nearer to his village. Read on and find out what happened to Kunda’s family despite warning that no one was to be killed.
This intriguing story reveals all there is to know in the life of a child soldier. Although not by choice, some get used to this life and quickly climb up the ranks to become powerful commanders. The one thing that remains common to all is the unspeakable acts inflicting fear and brainwashing the young minds.
‘Kunda: The Story of a Child Soldier’ is written in simple English and captivating dialogues between the narrator and other characters in the story. The descriptive style boost the reader’s imagination.
Why a success card is important MaxMutuma, 13
KCPE exams later this month
and I am excited that I have so far
received three success cards from
my relatives. However, if a candidate
does not receive a success card
he or she should not feel bad since
passing exams depends on one’s
hard work and preparedness.
Taffy Konchellah, 14Receiving success wishes makes a candidate gain confidence. I have received seven success cards so far from my relatives and I am feeling very good that they have remembered me.
Teresa Okoth, 14A success card is way of wishing
one best wishes in exams without telling them verbally. We receive them from people close to us. I have received six so far and I am happy that when results are announced, I shall have passed well since they have all sent me messages that they know I can, and I don’t want to let them down.
Success wishes are good and should be encouraged.
Ray Kibet, 14I think it’s good to wish a candidate success during exams. But I believe
in hardwork and determination in passing national examinations.
I have received three success cards from my relatives and I am encouraged not to panic during
exams. However, even if I had not received any cards, I would not
have felt bad.
Abdul Karim, 11I am yet to sit for the national exams since I am in Class Six but I know sending success wishes to candidates is good since it encourages and motivates them. I have already sent my elder brother a success card and I know he is very happy about it. I
think success wishes are important and parents and relatives should give
their children the necessary moral support as they sit for the
exams.
Sally Kahoro, 14Yes, I think receiving a success card makes a candidate feel great. But in case one does
not receive or they arrive late probably after exams, candidates should learn that
real success in exams comes from one’s efforts beforehand. We should work hard in class and God will bless our hardwork with
good results. I have received three beautiful success cards from my friends and relatives.
Susan Manya, 14I am in Class Eight and
expecting to sit for the national exams soon. I
think success cards are important since those
who do not receive any feel bad and may not
concentrate in their revision. I have so far
received more than 30 success cards and I
am expecting more from my friends ad relatives.
However, we should work hard in class to pass exams since one
can receive dozens of success cards and wishes but if not well
prepared for the exams end up failing.
Tracy Mwatha, 13Although it’s not a must to receive a success card, when a close person sends you one you feel happy and
appreciated during that crucial time in your life. I have got 10 cards with encouraging messages and verses
which whenever I read I feel motivated and confident to tackle the forthcoming national
exams. People should select good and nice cards that will make a candidate happy. P
HO
TO
/O
LIV
E M
UN
YI
pmuch
ina@
nation.co.ke
I’m looking for born-again friendsDear Auntie Susan,
I’m 13 years old and I love Young
Nation. I would like to get to know
born-again teenagers who are
Kenyan-born but reside in the US. My
hobbies are surfing the web, football
and playing the Play Station games.
Can you help me find some friends?
Collins,
USA
Dear Collins,It’s great to know that you would like to meet young Christian friends residing in the US. My assumption, because you didn’t mention it, is that you live in the US yourself. I do have some Christian friends in the US but since I believe it would be unethical for me to give you their names and addresses without contacting them first and seeking their approval, I have sent them your email address and expressed your request to them on your behalf. I do hope they will get in touch with you and maybe you can start writing to each other and later get to meet in future. Before you do that however, I strongly recommend that you get your parents/guardians approval before you go out to meet strangers. While you wait for my friends to get in touch with you, you can do a bit of scouting too. Get to know the young Christian Kenyans who attend
your local church. Also check out your neighborhood and school. Finally, register with penpals and express your interest there. We here at Young Nation also have a penpal column and this can also be your perfect chance to meet the friends you desire.
Once again, I strongly recommend that you involve your parents/guardians, older siblings and relatives in this exercise to ensure you don’t get conned by pedophiles falsely masquerading as young US-based Kenyan Christians just to attract your attention and snare you into their trap. There have been numerous cases of pedophiles using the Internet and post for their evil intentions and it is therefore, imperative that you apply extreme caution when corresponding with penpals, whether it is via email or the post. Make sure they send you personal pictures and lots of details about their background, their families and where they reside. Always check out this information to ascertain its authenticity before you go meeting them.
Enough of my warning. Now I wish you the best of luck in finding genuine Christian friends and establishing long-term friendships. Finally, don’t be afraid to expand your horizon beyond the Kenyan borders. Seek friends from other regions and countries as well. Their socio-cultural experiences will be different from yours and they will enrich your life. They will also teach you to be more tolerant and accepting of different cultures and ways of life, which is a good virtue to embrace in today’s diverse, metropolitan world.
She is in love with my friend
Dear Auntie Susan,
I’m a high school student in
Kaloleni District. I fell in love
with a certain girl and I worked
up the courage to tell her how I felt.
Unfortunately for me, she rejected
my affections saying she had a
boyfriend already. To make matters
worse, I have since come to learn that
her boyfriend is someone I know – my
best friend. My heart almost popped
out when I saw them together and
realised they were lovers. I still love
her and would like to convince her
to be my friend. At the same time I
don’t want to lose my best friend or
do anything that would turn us into
enemies. What should I do? Please
advice.
Mwashighadi,
Kaloleni
Dear Mwashighadi,My best advice to you right now is…don’t go there. Forget about that girl. She is not worth the trouble your advances will create between you and your best friend. Right now, she is attracted to your best friend and they clearly have started some sort of friendship. The last thing you want to do is go meddling in affairs that will dearly cost you the closeness you share with your best friend. I do understand what you must be going through considering that the heart rarely listens to reason when it comes to matters of love. Nonetheless, according to the Bible, you are lusting after the girl and coveting after your boyfriend’s girlfriend, two sins all rolled into one. Does that sound heavy to you? I hope it does so that you can get the courage to walk away from this girl.
Where friendships are concerned, it is considered a definite ‘NO NO’ for one friend to go after his/her friend’s boy/girlfriend. In fact, in some quarters, it is even considered cruel for the friend to date his/her friend’s ex-boy/girlfriend. When you break this rule or code among friends, you lose the trust and confidence that your friends have in you and they will label you with all manners of derogatory
names. Word will quickly go round that you cannot be trusted with a boy’s girlfriend, that you are undependable and a bad friend. Soon, all your mates will be avoiding you. Is this grief worth all the hustle? I sure hope not, so walk away from this girl and find yourself another girl to love. I’m sure there are many more beautiful girls out there in Kaloleni.
Who will fund my studies?
Dear Auntie Susan
I am 19 years old and an orphan.
I sat my KCSE exams last year
and succeeded in scoring an
average of B Plain. Ever since I can
remember, my passion has always
been in media-related careers. I
would like to pursue a course in mass
communication but unfortunately,
I don’t have the financial means to
realise my dreams. Can you help?
Juma,
Nairobi
Dear Juma,As a journalist with many years of experience, I can assure you that a career in mass communication or in the media would be very fulfilling if it truly is your passion. It is for that reason therefore, that I have placed your plea here hoping that a charitable soul out there who has the financial might to sponsor a needy, bright young man…meaning you…may reach out directly to you through [email protected] or me ([email protected]), or get in touch with us at Young Nation ([email protected]). I shall be praying for you that God grants you your dream.
4 Sunday Nation Sunday Nation 5
.
November 4, 2007
PH
OTO
S/J
OH
N M
UC
HIR
I
The Kenya Certificate for Primary Education
examinations will begin mid this month. Traditionally,
when candidates are preparing to sit their exams,
relatives, friends and schoolmates send cards to wish
them success. But what is the significance of success
wishes during exams? Does not receiving a success
card in any way affect the candidates’ performance?
Some children who are sitting their national
examinations this year shared their views. MWORIA
MUCHINA interviewed them.
Book: Kunda: The Story of a Child Soldier
Genre: Senior story books
Author: Peter Cozza
Publisher: Pauline’s publications
Africa
Reviewed by: OLIVE MUNYI
Perhaps you have heard and even studies about war and conflicts that have rocked most African
countries at one point or another. But more so there is war on going just in our neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Sudan and Somali. However, the people who suffer the blunt of such wars are mostly women and children. They are raped and forced to watch their loved ones killed. Children are abducted and millions more separated from their families as they run for dear life.
‘Kunda: The Story of a Child Soldier’ is a short but intense real life accounts of a young boy who was abducted
by rebel soldiers in Uganda. Kunda, a character that is writing a diary for all to share in his thought of a painful past and a hope for a brighter future, tells the story in the first person.
Like millions of children soldiers in Africa, Kunda a Ugandan boy was kidnapped from his family and forced to become a rebel in the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) at nine years of age. The LRA has been fighting with the government’s Peoples Defense Forces (PDF) for over 20 years and what this means is that for the rebels to sustain the labour force, they use children to fight the
war.Once in
captivity the soldiers are forced to loot, kill and
burn villages while most of the girls become sex slaves or wives to the rebel commanders. Those who attempt to escape are killed in the presence of others, this is meant to serve as a lesson to anyone who might be contemplating the idea.
Kunda had been in the bush four years since he was abducted and now he is facing the test of his loyalty to the rebellion. He was finally going home to his village. Finally, he could see his siblings, parents and other relatives. But his assignment was brief and precise. ‘We need food and new children to
continue our fighting,’ lieutenant Rodu had commanded him. He was going home to terrorise and kill his own people, something that has deeply traumatised him yet he knew that this was the course he and other children had committed to.
Kunda leads a troop of soldiers to neighbouring villages. They are lucky enough to find food but every step they make takes them nearer to his village. Read on and find out what happened to Kunda’s family despite warning that no one was to be killed.
This intriguing story reveals all there is to know in the life of a child soldier. Although not by choice, some get used to this life and quickly climb up the ranks to become powerful commanders. The one thing that remains common to all is the unspeakable acts inflicting fear and brainwashing the young minds.
‘Kunda: The Story of a Child Soldier’ is written in simple English and captivating dialogues between the narrator and other characters in the story. The descriptive style boost the reader’s imagination.
Why a success card is important MaxMutuma, 13
KCPE exams later this month
and I am excited that I have so far
received three success cards from
my relatives. However, if a candidate
does not receive a success card
he or she should not feel bad since
passing exams depends on one’s
hard work and preparedness.
Taffy Konchellah, 14Receiving success wishes makes a candidate gain confidence. I have received seven success cards so far from my relatives and I am feeling very good that they have remembered me.
Teresa Okoth, 14A success card is way of wishing
one best wishes in exams without telling them verbally. We receive them from people close to us. I have received six so far and I am happy that when results are announced, I shall have passed well since they have all sent me messages that they know I can, and I don’t want to let them down.
Success wishes are good and should be encouraged.
Ray Kibet, 14I think it’s good to wish a candidate success during exams. But I believe
in hardwork and determination in passing national examinations.
I have received three success cards from my relatives and I am encouraged not to panic during
exams. However, even if I had not received any cards, I would not
have felt bad.
Abdul Karim, 11I am yet to sit for the national exams since I am in Class Six but I know sending success wishes to candidates is good since it encourages and motivates them. I have already sent my elder brother a success card and I know he is very happy about it. I
think success wishes are important and parents and relatives should give
their children the necessary moral support as they sit for the
exams.
Sally Kahoro, 14Yes, I think receiving a success card makes a candidate feel great. But in case one does
not receive or they arrive late probably after exams, candidates should learn that
real success in exams comes from one’s efforts beforehand. We should work hard in class and God will bless our hardwork with
good results. I have received three beautiful success cards from my friends and relatives.
Susan Manya, 14I am in Class Eight and
expecting to sit for the national exams soon. I
think success cards are important since those
who do not receive any feel bad and may not
concentrate in their revision. I have so far
received more than 30 success cards and I
am expecting more from my friends ad relatives.
However, we should work hard in class to pass exams since one
can receive dozens of success cards and wishes but if not well
prepared for the exams end up failing.
Tracy Mwatha, 13Although it’s not a must to receive a success card, when a close person sends you one you feel happy and
appreciated during that crucial time in your life. I have got 10 cards with encouraging messages and verses
which whenever I read I feel motivated and confident to tackle the forthcoming national
exams. People should select good and nice cards that will make a candidate happy. P
HO
TO
/O
LIV
E M
UN
YI
pmuch
ina@
nation.co.ke
I’m looking for born-again friendsDear Auntie Susan,
I’m 13 years old and I love Young
Nation. I would like to get to know
born-again teenagers who are
Kenyan-born but reside in the US. My
hobbies are surfing the web, football
and playing the Play Station games.
Can you help me find some friends?
Collins,
USA
Dear Collins,It’s great to know that you would like to meet young Christian friends residing in the US. My assumption, because you didn’t mention it, is that you live in the US yourself. I do have some Christian friends in the US but since I believe it would be unethical for me to give you their names and addresses without contacting them first and seeking their approval, I have sent them your email address and expressed your request to them on your behalf. I do hope they will get in touch with you and maybe you can start writing to each other and later get to meet in future. Before you do that however, I strongly recommend that you get your parents/guardians approval before you go out to meet strangers. While you wait for my friends to get in touch with you, you can do a bit of scouting too. Get to know the young Christian Kenyans who attend
your local church. Also check out your neighborhood and school. Finally, register with penpals and express your interest there. We here at Young Nation also have a penpal column and this can also be your perfect chance to meet the friends you desire.
Once again, I strongly recommend that you involve your parents/guardians, older siblings and relatives in this exercise to ensure you don’t get conned by pedophiles falsely masquerading as young US-based Kenyan Christians just to attract your attention and snare you into their trap. There have been numerous cases of pedophiles using the Internet and post for their evil intentions and it is therefore, imperative that you apply extreme caution when corresponding with penpals, whether it is via email or the post. Make sure they send you personal pictures and lots of details about their background, their families and where they reside. Always check out this information to ascertain its authenticity before you go meeting them.
Enough of my warning. Now I wish you the best of luck in finding genuine Christian friends and establishing long-term friendships. Finally, don’t be afraid to expand your horizon beyond the Kenyan borders. Seek friends from other regions and countries as well. Their socio-cultural experiences will be different from yours and they will enrich your life. They will also teach you to be more tolerant and accepting of different cultures and ways of life, which is a good virtue to embrace in today’s diverse, metropolitan world.
She is in love with my friend
Dear Auntie Susan,
I’m a high school student in
Kaloleni District. I fell in love
with a certain girl and I worked
up the courage to tell her how I felt.
Unfortunately for me, she rejected
my affections saying she had a
boyfriend already. To make matters
worse, I have since come to learn that
her boyfriend is someone I know – my
best friend. My heart almost popped
out when I saw them together and
realised they were lovers. I still love
her and would like to convince her
to be my friend. At the same time I
don’t want to lose my best friend or
do anything that would turn us into
enemies. What should I do? Please
advice.
Mwashighadi,
Kaloleni
Dear Mwashighadi,My best advice to you right now is…don’t go there. Forget about that girl. She is not worth the trouble your advances will create between you and your best friend. Right now, she is attracted to your best friend and they clearly have started some sort of friendship. The last thing you want to do is go meddling in affairs that will dearly cost you the closeness you share with your best friend. I do understand what you must be going through considering that the heart rarely listens to reason when it comes to matters of love. Nonetheless, according to the Bible, you are lusting after the girl and coveting after your boyfriend’s girlfriend, two sins all rolled into one. Does that sound heavy to you? I hope it does so that you can get the courage to walk away from this girl.
Where friendships are concerned, it is considered a definite ‘NO NO’ for one friend to go after his/her friend’s boy/girlfriend. In fact, in some quarters, it is even considered cruel for the friend to date his/her friend’s ex-boy/girlfriend. When you break this rule or code among friends, you lose the trust and confidence that your friends have in you and they will label you with all manners of derogatory
names. Word will quickly go round that you cannot be trusted with a boy’s girlfriend, that you are undependable and a bad friend. Soon, all your mates will be avoiding you. Is this grief worth all the hustle? I sure hope not, so walk away from this girl and find yourself another girl to love. I’m sure there are many more beautiful girls out there in Kaloleni.
Who will fund my studies?
Dear Auntie Susan
I am 19 years old and an orphan.
I sat my KCSE exams last year
and succeeded in scoring an
average of B Plain. Ever since I can
remember, my passion has always
been in media-related careers. I
would like to pursue a course in mass
communication but unfortunately,
I don’t have the financial means to
realise my dreams. Can you help?
Juma,
Nairobi
Dear Juma,As a journalist with many years of experience, I can assure you that a career in mass communication or in the media would be very fulfilling if it truly is your passion. It is for that reason therefore, that I have placed your plea here hoping that a charitable soul out there who has the financial might to sponsor a needy, bright young man…meaning you…may reach out directly to you through [email protected] or me ([email protected]), or get in touch with us at Young Nation ([email protected]). I shall be praying for you that God grants you your dream.
6 Sunday Nation November 4, 2007
By Esther Onchana, AdvocateEmail: [email protected]
Compiled by MWORIA MUCHINADid You Know?
Children and the law
A snail can sleep for three years!
Law lacking alternative methods for solving disputes
There are more than 80,000 kinds of snails living almost everywhere. Their soft bodies are usually
covered with a coiled shell and pull their whole body safely into this shell if threatened. Land snails live in damp places and all have lungs. They have one strong muscular foot, which they use to crawl about while pouring out a sticky slime, for the foot to slide over. Because of this sticky slime, snails can also crawl across the edge of a razor blade without getting hurt! In dry weather, they seal themselves in their shell with this dried slime until the dry season is over.
Fresh water snails live in rivers, ponds and lakes and some have lungs, and must come
to the surface to breathe. Others have gills. Saltwater or marine snails live along the seashore while others live on the deep ocean floors. Most of them have gills and their colourful shells, are collected by people for fun and decoration. Cone snails live in oceans, prey on small fish which they paralyse with a poisonous sting, which can also kill humans. Snails are source of food for
fish, birds,
crayfish and lobsters. Many people also consider Helix garden snail as a delicacy! The turban snail of Australia is used in making pearly shirt buttons.
However, sea snails that people eat can cause diseases such as typhoid fever and hepatitis, if they are taken from polluted water. The giant African snail is the largest and most
damaging snail in the world! The largest snail
on record measured 38.75 in length and weighed
about 4 kilos named Gee Geronimo. It was owned by Christopher Hudson of Hove, E. Sussex,
England. The speckled garden snails are the fastest snails moving
up to 20 meters per hour! Snails have both male and female
reproductive organs and can sleep for three years!
SARAH STEPHANIE WAWERU, Arutani Secondary School, P.O. Box 56, Solai, Kenya. Age: 15. Hobbies: Listening to music, dancing, watching movies, swimming, cooking and travelling. Would like penpals from Mexico, France, Japan, Thailand, Venezuela, Ukraine and Solomon Islands.
ANTONNETE VERA MWENDWA, St. Paul’s Boarding Primary School, P.O. Box 185, Laare, Kenya. Age: 12. Hobbies: Reading novels, watching movies, making new friends, dancing and singing. Would like penpals from Kenya, Ethiopia, USA, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Italy and India.
EMMA KEMUNTO, C/O Joyce Maore, P.O. Box 20191, 00200, City Square, Nairobi, Kenya. Age: 13. Hobbies: Cracking jokes and making new friends. Would like penpals from USA, the Philippines and Australia.
RAHAB WARINGA, Kubukubu Memorial Boarding School, P.O. Box 126, Embu, Kenya. Age: 13. Hobbies: Making new friends, exchanging photos, swimming, watching movies, travelling, listening to music and reading novels. Would like penpals from the Philippines, Canada, USA, Finland, Italy, Germany, Turkey and France.
VIENNA AKINYI, P.O. Box 2328, Kisumu, Kenya. Age: 13. Hobbies: Watching movies, reading novels, adventure and going out with friends. Would like penpals from USA, Sweden, Germany and France.
CECILIA MUNDIA, Kabare Girls’ High School, P.O. Box 69, Kerugoya, Kenya. Age: 15. Hobbies: Dancing, watching movies, shopping, travelling and reading books. Would like penpals from all over the world.
I receive many questions from parents and children ranging from
where to get a family lawyer to enquiries on how to file cases in court. Parents make enquiries on how to go about custody battles and child maintenance disputes. Children on the other hand enquire on how to compel a father to pay school fees or how to gain control of a deceased parent’s property. The list is endless.
Although I advise them to consult a lawyer to help them understand their legal rights and responsibilities and how the law applies to their case or to approach the children’s court or family court to settle their disputes, I am awake to the fact that going to court may not be the best forum for resolving family disputes. This is because legal battles are costly, time consuming and
emotionally draining. More importantly court orders may not necessarily resolve family disputes or cater for the best interests of the child in the long term.
Save for the courts, the Children’s Act makes no mention of alternative methods such mediation, that can be utilised by families involved in a dispute to reach a solution amicably. This is a major stumbling block to the juvenile justice system in Kenya, since the one of primary aims of the children’s courts and family courts is to help people reach an agreement.
Mediation is a less formal process through which a third party other than a magistrate or judge helps people involved in a dispute to communicate and reach an agreement. The mediator is usually a trained social worker or psychologist who is experienced in family
and children’s matters. During the mediation sessions the mediator may give guidance and make suggestions and the parents are encouraged to voice their views.
This process helps parties to decide by themselves what is in dispute, to explore possible solutions taking one problem at a time, and to select the most suitable solution. As a result they greatly reduce the financial and emotional costs of a legal battle and they continue in a relationship as parents, which is likely to work better for the children.
Mediation sessions are privileged. This means that the discussions are private and anything said during the session is not generally given as evidence in Court. It should, however, be noted that mediation is not to be used to resolve child abuse cases. Once an agreement is reached
the court is asked to make orders in the terms of the agreement reached.
Mediation is especially important in cases involving children. For example, mediation can help parents who have separated to reach a decision on where the child will live, if they live most of the time with one parent, when will they see the other parent and other close family members, who will pay school fees, health care needs etc, within a short period and without disrupting the child’s life.
Other African countries such as South Africa have adopted alternative problem -solving forums as seen in the recently passed Children’s Act, which provides for family group conferences, professional counselling and mediation. This law even allows traditional elders to be involved in settling family disputes.
November 4, 2007 Sunday Nation 7
With Irene Nyambura
Looking glam at home
As we gear up for the
long holidays, we
thought it best to let
you into different at-home clad
that are easy to wear at the same
time stylish. Today Annete’
Amoit models some of these
clads you won’t want to miss out.
You can clearly see and learn that
we don’t have to wear pyjamas
all day or dress drab simply
because we have no particular
plan for the day.
It is very important to dress
smart regardless of whether you
will be spending the whole day
indoors or outdoors and this
especially helps in lifting your
spirits. In fact, it is not advisable
to dress as if you’re just about
to hit the streets for a wild
dance, but to wear relaxing yet
fashionable items like shorts,
short skirts, and hipsters coupled
with funky tees for a fresh yet
relaxed look.
Another advantage of
dressing stylish while indoors
or within your estate is that you
are always good to go. Meaning
you can go anywhere and meet
anybody without the fear of
looking drab or awful. Ragged,
labelled, graffiti made funky
tops are what is in. Bottoms;
anything short, tight or stretch is
allowed. And did you know that
you and I have the advantage of
pulling
any kind of
look without
being labelled
crazy? Lastly,
dressing stylish at
home gives one a
relaxing feeling; who
wouldn’t want that?
Hands up…
inyambura@
nation.co.ke
PH
OTO
S /
OLIV
E M
UN
YI
with OLIVE MUNYI
Career Scan
Sophie Mukwana during the interview with ‘Young Nation’
Looking good at home
So you want to
be a forensic scientist? Sophie Mukwana, the director Biotech Forensics, explains what it entails.
What does a forensic scientist do? Forensic science is a broad definition for all sciences pertaining to law. It involves the analysis and interpretation of evidence using the natural sciences like chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, engineering, microbiology, botany, zoology, ecology, etc. Therefore, a forensic scientist is essentially an investigator who uses science to give evidence about crimes committed such as murder.
What makes a good forensic scientist?One has to have a keen eye for detail, be inquisitive and does not accept things at face value. Importantly, it is one who does not jump to conclusions, in other words, withholds judgment until all the evidence has been reviewed.
What does this career entail?To become a forensic scientist, one requires a degree in any of the above listed natural sciences and/or a degree in forensic science. The course work includes laboratory work, which is a main
component of forensic science.
Would you say this career is glamorous? Explain.Working as a forensic scientist is not glamorous at all. Some people after watching television series such as CSI might assume that it is glamorous. It is a lot of heavy work, which can at times be very distressing. You meet people at their worst, usually as victims of crime and it requires a forensic scientist to be empathetic but also professional. You don’t get any fame or recognition the same way that a celebrity would, but the kind of work you do is significant and you make yourself known by the quality of work you do.
Any special qualities one
should possess?The qualities that would endear one towards forensic science include, attention to detail, good communication skills (both oral and written), problem-solving skills, ability to think critically and analytically, adaptable to learning and being a team player.
What are the subjects mandatory for those planning to pursue a career in forensic science?Any of the above listed natural sciences, which include laboratory work. These are critical.
What and where should one study to become a forensic
scientist?Subject areas include the natural sciences, accounting, computer science, engineering, medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. These can all be studied at the local universities in Kenya. For those who would like to study Forensic Science, they would need to do so in the UK, US, Australia, Canada and Europe as this course is not currently offered in Kenya.
How long does this take?It takes three to four years to
obtain a degree in any of the above listed subjects. Medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine would take about five years.
Is there room to further
your studies?You can get a master’s degree in any of the above listed subjects, which allow you to specialise in a certain area of forensics. You can also pursue a PhD if you would like to teach forensics at the university or go into research.
Do you work with other professionals? If
so who are they?Because Forensic Science is very broad and its main focus is on crime investigation, there is a lot of interaction with other professionals, chief among them are the police, lawyers and medical professionals.
What are your tools of trade?The tools of the trade are many, a host of equipment that is used at the crime scene which is useful for helping the forensic scientist secure the crime scene, detect, collect and preserve the evidence and laboratory equipment that helps the scientist analyse the evidence.
How soon after attaining a
degree can one start practising?Immediately, however some traineeship will be come in handy.
What is most interesting about
your job?Every crime scene is different and presents its own challenges. Closing or successfully concluding a case is also very exciting.
What challenges should one
expect to face?
Working at a crime scene is hard work; the type of evidence you are looking for is usually very small so the work is tedious. You don’t always find the suspects, so some cases go unsolved or may take years before new evidence surfaces. You meet people at their worst. The crime scene is often not very pleasant, you have to deal with inclement weather, unhappy people, dangerous situations, one is on call almost 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and complex cases are involved.
8 Sunday Nation November 4, 20078 Sunday Nation
Amphibian Mammal Reptile Ave Pisce
“ANIMAL KINGDOM”
COLOUR ME!
Murega Kiama (right) and Sibling Muriithi Kiama pose as “Dracula” during the Halloween party held at the Village Market. Halloween, which is celebrated every 31st day of October is a western mythology about dead people who appeared from their graves to haunt the living.
The above words are hidden in the grid. Find them.
