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Happy New Year
Related to country: Kenya

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Its that time of the year again;when we leave a spent year behind and embrace a brand new year. 2008 is over, with all its ups and downs. We are grateful for the inspiring events that happened, and all the valuable lessons we learnt. Now its time to embrace the new year with hope and gladness. May the new year bring forth good tidings, may we all be inspired and motivated to take positive action; and above all may we find many opportunities to make a difference in big ways and even in our own small ways. Be inspired, be informed, be involved. Happy new year!

December 30, 2008 | 5:02 AM Comments  0 comments

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sustainable living: personal weapons against poverty
About this event: Blog Action Day 2008

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

When we think about fighting poverty, we usually think of how we can help those who are extremely poor to lead more dignified lives, by enabling them to access basic needs such as adequate food, clothing, decent shelter, water and sanitation and health services, access to a reasonable income and education.

While it is important to empower the poor so that they lead quality lives, we need to think of how we as a society are participating in actions that perpetuate rather than eliminate poverty.This has to do with the way we use the resources available to us i.e. If we do not use them sustainably then we are promoting the very poverty that we are trying to eliminate, by depleting the few resources that are available.This can only spell disaster for future generations since they will have to struggle if we do not live anything for them.

Global warming and climate change have led to issues such as desertification of farm lands,drying of water sources and changing climate patterns.This means that food production becomes difficult; due to diminishing arable land and long spells of drought; more people face water shortages and thus poverty is increased.

Therefore,we can say that environmental conservation and sustainable use of resources is very important if we are to win this war on poverty.We need to think and act sustainably even as we make and implement development plans to lift our people out of dehumanizing conditions.Lobbying and petitioning the policy-makers is very important, but we also need to look at the other side of the poverty equation:What role can we as individuals play in eliminating poverty?

As individuals we can play a significant role in fighting poverty by using resources more sensibly.If we all take time to learn everyday tips on how we can use the resources available to us more efficiently, then we will be making progress towards eradicating poverty.

Some of these actions of sustainable living include:recycling waste, reducing wastage of resources, not leaving the taps running and switching of lights when not in use.It is not only the work of the government to alleviate poverty, but you can also help in a big way by living sustainably.

You may have all that you need today and may not think much about that tap you left dripping, but if you do not act now to use resources more carefully,then your offspring will be affected since they may not have adequate water to live on.

Let us all take care of the environment and use our resources well.It is your life, and the future is at stake!

October 15, 2008 | 6:25 AM Comments  3 comments

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Untitled
Related to this project: plant a tree and save the world from destruction

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Getting tree seedlings is proving to be a hurdle.Greenbelt have not given any feedback, though they had offered to assist.Will approach Total Eco Challenge to see how they can help...otherwise tree seedlings go for as little as KSH. 40...how about that.

July 30, 2008 | 5:50 AM Comments  1 comments

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Caning Is not the Antidote to Student Indiscipline
Related to country: Kenya

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

For the last few weeks, we have watched in disbelief as students razed down school buildings which took many years to be put up, all in the name of airing their grievances.Granted that some of their grievances are legitimate, arson, violence and chaos will not solve anything.However, it seems that the students were only imitating what they had observed earlier in the year ,when citizens resulted to violence as the way to express their dissatisfaction with the flawed elections.That being said, the students' actions are still inexcusable.

Many people are calling for the re-introduction of corporal punishment to address the rising cases of student indiscipline. However, I feel that caning will not solve discipline problems in our schools.Caning in itself is a form of violence (inflicting physical pain ) and it does not serve as a good model, because the students learn that it is ok to use violence on those who have done wrong.

Caning does not eliminate the undesired behaviour, but rather suppresses i,t hence the student does not reform.Students may also adopt antisocial behaviors such as lying, so as to avoid being caned.

In the past, when caning was still in use as a behaviour change strategy, teachers were known to abuse corporal punishment, and to even cause physical harm to students.

Students are also human beings and must be treated with respect and dignity.

There should also be dialogue in schools; students should be given a chance to talk about their grievances without being victimized.Let the students be heard and be involved in making their learning experience better, so that they do not result to violence as the sure way to be seen and heard.

There are so many reasons why students should not be caned, especially because there are many other strategies that can be used to modify students' behaviour positively, and all teachers should be trained on how to use such strategies effectively.

If the cane must be used,as sometimes is the case, then there should be clear guidelines on when it should be used.I would suggest that it only be used if it is the most effective method for modifying the behaviour in question i.e. there is no other better method of modifying the behaviour.

So even as we contemplate student indiscipline, let us not get so emotional about it, but let us come up with reasonable guidelines on how to discipline our children without having to result to violence.

July 29, 2008 | 10:47 AM Comments  0 comments

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one hundred and more things to do when you are down in the dumps
Related to country: Kenya

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

There are times in life when things look bleak and no rays of hope can be seen anywhere. Other times you just feel low, maybe because of unpleasant events that have happened to you. Such are the times when you need something to cheer you up. What you do to lift your spirits could be as simple as the following activities. You could try some, which you’ve never tried before and see how it all works out.

1. Listen to your favourite music.

2. Relax...take deep breaths.

3. Meditate/do yoga.

4. Go on vacation/go away for the weekend.

5. Take a long hot bath.

6. Wear clean clothes.

7. Take a long walk.

8. Bask in the warmth of the sun.

9. Take a cold refreshing shower.

10. Go to the beach.

11. Have a frank and open conversation with a friend.

12. Have coffee/tea/soft drinks... with friends.

13. Smile at somebody.

14. Read a good joke book and laugh out loud.

15. Plan for a trip.

16. Read a story/novel/poetry/plays/newspapers/magazines.

17. Learn something new (a skill/hobby/language...)

18. Pick a task and do it really well.

19. Express your love to somebody.

20. Kiss.

21. Compliment someone.

22. Talk about your favourite sport.

23. Attend a concert.

24. Play your favourite sport.

25. Go shopping.

26. Do some art (paint/draw/sculpt/make a movie..)

27. Go rock climbing/mountaineering/hiking.

28. Read the Bible.

29. Rearrange or redecorate your room/apartment.

30. Attend a sports event.

31. Write songs.

32. Go boating.

33. Watch your favourite TV show/comedies/movies.

34. Play cards/board games (chess/monopoly/scrabble...)

35. Solve puzzles.

36. Have lunch with friends.

37. Take a long drive.

38. Write a story/poem/play/article/blog/novel..

39. Sing.

40. Attend a party.

41. Play a musical instrument.

42. Attend a church function.

43. Go ice-skating/rollerblading.

44. Wear your favourite clothes.

45. Watch a play.

46. Explore new territories.

47. Play pool.

48. Go bowling.

49. Watch wild animals.

50. Wear new clothes.

51. Dance.

52. Ride a motorcycle.

53. Tend to a garden.

54. Go to a fair/circus/carnival/zoo/amusement park...

55. Go on a date.

56. Talk about something that interests you.

57. Visit your friends.

58. Give someone a gift.

59. Take part in a fundraising walk/charity event.

60. Invite your friends over.

61. Get a massage/back rub.

62. Take photos/pose for photos.

63. Collect stamps/rocks/coins...

64. Eat your favourite meal.

65. Go fishing.

66. Go wrestling/boxing.

67. Go to a health club/sauna.

68. Go horseback riding.

69. Go to the movies.

70. Prepare a good meal.

71. Wash your hair.

72. Participate in a social/political/environmental protest for a cause you care about.

73. Go to a restaurant for a meal.

74. Wear your favourite cologne/perfume.

75. Keep a journal.

76. Give someone a massage/back rub.

77. Go swimming.

78. Run/jog around the block.

79. Make love.

80. Go to the barber’s/beautician’s and get a beauty treatment (manicure/pedicure/facial...)

81. Spend time with someone you love.

82. Go cycling.

83. Write letters/cards/notes to someone.

84. Water sports..surf/diving/snorkelling...

85. Travel.

86. Play video games.

87. Go for a medical check-up/have your teeth fixed.

88. Work on a project.

89. Make gift items.

90. Spend time with your pet/walk your dog.

91. Practice your hobby.

92. Attend auctions/garage sales.

93. Dream about the future.

94. Count your blessings...be grateful for all the good things in your life.

95. Recall hilarious/beautiful moments from the past.

96. List your achievements. think about your strengths, skills, talents and capabilities.

97. Go clubbing.

98. Declutter your space.

99. Call a friend on phone.

100. Meet someone new.

101. Go to the gym/do aerobics.

102. Play.

103. Think about something good you expect to happen in future.


104. Celebrate your life.

These are just a few suggestions on activities that may have an uplifting effect on you when you are feeling low. Some may work for you while others may not be your thing. Feel free to add your own suggestions of activities that uplift your mood when you are going through a rough patch in life.

Remember that bad times are temporary and life goes on no matter what is going on around you. Mourn for a sufficient while if you must then pick yourself up and get back on track. Don’t let a temporary bad moment keep you down. Rise above it and enjoy your life no matter the circumstances








June 18, 2008 | 6:58 AM Comments  4 comments

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