Brotherhood Beyond Blood

The hard questions in life
Are never about class,pen and paper affair
Days have elapsed,years gone by
And each morning,we hope
The best brains we have
Will one day explain,show
Without puns and twists
What it means to have a home
And what the rest of the world feels
To have the tender touch of mothers love!
You have those answers
Don't take them for granted
Share with the less fortunate
For in giving,there's power and blessings


No sacrifice goes unrewarded
It took you sweat, time, and money
To be here with us today
Share,connect and be family
For brotherhood goes beyond blood
And sisterhood is more than just resemblance
Our gratitude is to a heartbeat with direction
Giving without bounds
And caring without limits!


Names come and go
Eras get folded by tyranny of years
But legacies worth the sunshine
Stand tall deep from six feet under
Today,you make us stand
Tomorrow we make someone else stand
And forever,we live in your legacy!

By: William Kadima

Cheryl's Children's Home Ngong Road visit - Report.

Saturday 25th June 2016, Nipe Sauti Africa was scheduled to visit Cheryl's Watoto learning center. It is situated along Ngong road a few meters from Jamuhuri grounds in Nairobi county. Prior to the visit directions and  reminders for the visit were sent through all mediums. A call upon members for financial and any other contribution was also made.

NSA members started arriving in turns, they were excited to see one another since the last event. A little chit chat and by 11.15 am most of the members had arrived.
Official matters first. Led by the chair Mandela Sangura into the office of the admin where a formal introduction was done. The chair explained in details what Nipe Sauti African is about and what it does not leaving out details of some of our previous events.

The admin was excited to see us and with a warm welcome he gave brief information about Cheryl's children's Home. " Cheryl's children's Home is a Christian-based foundation. Houses close 200 pupils with a large number under foster care while  about 40 boys and girls know the place to be their home. In a small well-utilised space is an administration, girls and boys dormitories, class 1-8  classrooms, a library kitchen and a hall." Some of the challenges they experience are a possible eviction by the Kenya Railways Authority, and the shortage of food stuff since the founder pass on.

Nipe Sauti Africa members were taken around the classes and dormitories. Later joined  the pupils in the hall. A brief introduction was done and we opted to join the children and watched a movie. A different group joined in later and together we had fun, there we interacted freely getting a chance to share stories with the boys and girls and got to know their names, others danced, while other played games and of course preserving memories through the cameras.

Nipe Sauti Africa had a bag of goodies for the children which was presented to Admin's office. Food stuffs like flour, rice, dry maize, some snacks and clothes are among the gifts NSA presented.
We involved the boys and girls in a game of minds to encourage them express their point of view and critically involve their minds. It was exciting.

Finally Nipe Sauti Africa had a brief meeting to deliberated on a few matters including upcoming events. New members present were welcomed to stay.

It was past 4 o'clock  time to sign the visits book and exit.


Cheryl's children's home is a home of talent and joy. We hope to make another visit in the future.

BY: Anne Muisyo








Click to Read Daily Newspapers

Think, Choose and Live

When I look up
I see a figurehead to look up to
On the other end,on podiums
Only figures lurking
Tongues lash,characters fickle
And promises never hold


Years and years down the line
His allegiance has never changed
Don't be swayed,they always have a pact
No permanent enemies,only permanent interests
Parties and pacts have changed
Allies and allegiances shifted
Only your status as a common mwananchi hasn't

Once bitten,beat your senses to life
Learn,be better and never be bitten twice
Venoms have antidotes
Broken hearts have a way to heal
Truth has a way to emerge
And second chances only
Beckons those worth them
Decide,live a year on wheels of promises
That burst once you cast your vote
Or live on fours for just a year
And drive a four wheel full of hope and promise
Into a new era of  good governance and leadership
The distance between past,present and future
Lies in thoughts and choices

THINK,CHOOSE AND LIVE!!

By: William Kadima
Strathmore University

Rome was not Built in One Night

Rome was not built in a night
Right,it's a trot of years
By men who had their minds
Walk along and coincide with their heartbeats
Speak,show and shun mediocrity

Years,decades and now past half a century
Same tune,same dance,just different dance floors!
Thank you for taking freedom to the people
But next time,let your convoy carry with them
True liberation from bad governance!

Yes,we are a young nation
But with old `leaders`
The freedom dance needs some vitality and vigour
A change of pots without ingredients
Makes the soup no tastier
As you dance to this old tune
Please,think and for once
Speak to Kenyans from your hearts
Are your moves the best
Kenya can produce for half a century??!

BY: William Kadima
Strathmore University

Do Environmental Factors Affect Our Personality Types?

Where someone resides greatly affects personality type. Nobody can live in a vacuum, and that is where we begin to learn and unlearn some things depending on the culture and values that are exercised. Environment establishes attitudes, norms, values and perceptions to a person. Traditions and cultures get imprinted into the person making them comprehend for example different senses of what is wrong and what is right. Therefore it should be noted that family, school, place of work and friends among others play a role in determining personality type.

The social environment has been emphasized a lot in personality development by psychologists to mention Erich Fromm & Kazimierz Dabrowski. It is said that intuition plus personal experience greatly verify need of social environment in personal development.

Theories tell us that we largely are a sum of circumstances subjected upon us. Yes, genetics determine personality traits, up to a certain degree, but it should be noted that people do change so as to adapt to immediate needs they are placed on. These needs or demands are dynamic and could fall under financial, emotional, social and or physical needs but not limited to these alone. Regardless, quality and types of people an individual is surrounded with will be a great determinant on how they choose to meet the confronted needs. The reason is because, an individual do not have a context outside own inner impressions, thus will seek to draw their past impressions and experiences of how others met those confronting needs successfully. What this informs us is that decisions we make are directed in relation to things we learned and lesson therein which are always due to circumstances  faced and people knew that far. This affirms the reason why we internally justify actions we take and boldly satisfy desires through those means we emulate.

Also, it is argued that opinions we make are formed by impressions of others’ opinions. This is so because whenever we think that a person satiates desire we experience, psychologically we justify imitating behaviors they demonstrate. This social environment factor is double edged sword. On one hand, values we assume get dictated to us by societal norms and then our ideas into assuming those values is internalized based on impressions of people we choose to emulate.

To further explain how the environment may inform actual actions a person may undertake, consider this practical example. Imagine, a young boy seeing a man driving a nice and expensive sports car. The machine is “cool” and this impression is positive due to initial childhood experiences of the young boy. When the young boy meets people, he or she may explain how “cool” one will be if they become wealthy by being able to own such wonderful luxurious cars. The youngster will make it his own initiative, that to lead a successful and happy life he needs to be wealthy. The decisions that would steer the boy or girl’s life would be oriented around that goal making life to have specific desires. Notice that the boy is destined to become wealthy in his mind. However, influences of people who are around him have the power to dictate the way he would try to fulfill the objective even though it may still vary significantly with change on people he surrounds himself with. If the child comes from a poor neighborhood, actions such as selling drugs would be a way of achieving his objective, or rap music if people around there do that. On the other hand, if the boy comes from a rich neighborhood, he may choose a good career path advised by the parents as well as adults the big looks up to achieve his objectives towards leading a good life.

It should be acknowledged that individuals do have highest and attainable levels of personal development. Surprisingly, we fail most of the time in transcending the influences of the social environment in a bid to achieving true autonomy, enlightenment, and self-actualization. Positive or negative events in life trigger self-reflection on personal development matters. A person may be forced to progress because inner turmoil is unbearable as a result of repeated mistakes.

Environment matters! Surround yourself with the right people.

TUPEANE SAUTI

Author: Duncan Mnyogha

GHOSTS OF RWANDA REVISITING KENYA?

AFTER watching Ghosts of Rwanda , I am taking this opportunity to voice to my lovely society that we are all human and our unique identities should never be exploited for political reasons.

During those moments of fighting, assassination and riots are rampant thus need for a third force that may bring back stability in the country. The area of intelligence is fundamental in containing the tension that may amount in war-stricken areas since fighting groups usually train in bushes or captured regions. My advice to the Kenyan populace as we approach the general election is to be sober in mind and be our brothers’ keeper.

Countries should spearhead in efforts to quell peace to ensure the safety of people. We should not sweep under the carpet mass killing, even one life matters most. No country is small in terms of such emergencies, Kenya needs to revisit the 2007 and 1992 skirmishes that engulfed this beloved home country we call Kenya. Therefore, leaders of neighbouring and other countries should be in the forefront looking for lasting solutions to prevent any country from being destroyed completely.

Targeted killings are common and need be controlled at all costs. Does this show that the opponents are not ready to negotiate and want to take over the country? Even the peacekeepers need protection in case they are overpowered when sent to the mission, do we allow riots and demonstration to continue without surety that no chaos will erupt? Why don’t we educate the public to express their concerns through representatives? Leaders, journalists and humanitarian groups visiting the place need to be assigned sufficient security details to prevent any occurrence that may compromise them leading to potential loss of lives, ever heard of security officers and drivers killed on their way to Kenyan borders? Even journalists suffer.

Where there is no help, refugees become helpless and turn to the least expected people who can help them such as journalists who do not know what to do but just report. Religious institutions and schools become refuge points that are prone to further attacks. Therefore, everyone going to war torn area should be adequately equipped not only to visit but also help in any way.

Sometimes governments help their “own”, not to evacuate “others”. This message is dangerous as it means the residents are left behind to be killed or under the mercies of the strong party in the war. What do you do in the face of evil? Mass saving of people is necessary even when it involves dying of a few individuals? 

STOPPING ETHNIC CONFLICTS IN KENYA WHEN THE WAR IS UNSTOPPABLE

People ought to speak out during genocides, morally you cannot shut up, and it’s your responsibility to talk. This will create an alarm for the need to coexist by realizing that we are one people. It is unfortunate that those who should talk keep quiet, religious institutions should have a say on matters of national security! It is disappointing that they are quiet and whenever they speak they just murmur in their living rooms, Kenya, let’s rise up!

The government of Kenya may also ensure even development to ensure that we, youthful have our energies directed for the development of this country. Negotiations for a ceasefire is necessary that it may lead to stopping the massacre and unnecessary deaths of souls that we need. The leaders of warring sides may be engaged in talks to ensure that peace carries the day, not self-interest as seen in the political class. Political will and intention are necessary according to Kofi Annan, to protect lives. It is the responsibility of everyone and the governments to do so even though it is doubtful that they may do so.

NATUKAE NA UNDUGU, AMANI NA UHURU, RAHA NATUPATE NA USTAWI

Click here to watch>>  Ghosts of Rwanda

Author: Duncan Mnyogha M.

In Mlolongo at Liberty Children’s Home

The name ‘Nipe Sauti Africa’ is derived from the Swahili language which means ‘Give me a Voice Africa’. Swahili is the most spoken language in East and Central Africa and it’s the national and official languages of Kenya and Tanzania. Therefore the aim of Nipe Sauti Afri(k)a is to help give a voice to the voiceless by highlighting their plight and engaging volunteers and communities to help these people.

On 17th April 2016, Nipe Sauti Africa and Haba na Haba members joined hands and visited Liberty Children’s Home in Mlolongo. The event was organized by Haba na Haba and us as guest volunteers also participated. The two groups donated foodstuffs, clothes, cooked and engaged in mentorship programs.

Program

We engaged in song and dance with the children and then invited guest artists to perform. The locals formed a crowd that gathered around the children’s home to watch. Many were mesmerized by the ‘One Man Band’, the Soccer artist, guest musicians and poets who had been invited to the event.

A group of volunteers also helped in the kitchen to prepare different sorts of meals for the kids while another played soccer and team building games with the boys and girls.

After they had had their lunch, the children were invited to cut and share a cake before the event came to an end at 5pm. It was such a nice day.

 

Will You be their Pillar of Hope- Kitengela?

Perhaps there is a way I could retell the story of Mwanga. He belonged to a poor family.  One day, he was crossing through the forest carrying some woods. He saw an old man who was very hungry.  Mwanga wanted to give him some food, but he did not have food for his own.  So he continued on his way.  On his way he saw a deer who was very thirsty.  He wanted to give him some water, but he did not have water for himself.  So he went on his way ahead.  Then he saw a man who wanted to make a camp but he did not have woods.  Mwanga asked his problem and gave some woods to him.  In return, he gave him some food and water.  Now he went back to the old man and gave him some food and gave some water to the deer. The old man and the deer were very happy.  Mwanga than happily went on his way.

However, one day Mwanga fell down the hill.  He was in pain but he couldn’t move and no one was there to help him.

MORAL: In life, no matter what we can’t afford, there is a way of helping those who need us. A society built on the fabric of oneness, togetherness and self-awareness is the epitome of humanity.

In this regard, Nipe Sauti Africa visited Pillars of Hope Children’s Home in Kitengela on 21^st May, 2016. The home is located in Kajiado, Noonkopir area. Its compound is a composition of iron sheets and wooden structures. It houses over 100 orphans.
As an organization, we are dedicated at bringing out social issues that affect our society. We create awareness and help seek solutions to these problems. We give a voice to the voiceless. Our activities with the kids included a mentorship session, donated food, cooked and played with them the whole day.

Join us in the next venture as we try to help these children get a home.

By: Dennis Nangabo

At Texas Cancer Centre

On 23^rd of April, as usual, Nipe Sauti Family was up and running in Texas Cancer Center along Mbagathi Road.!

Prior to the day, Duncan a member of Nipe Sauti, co-founder and official made preparations. A message was sent to the Facebook page “Join us this Saturday's visit to Texas Cancer Centre along Mbagathi Road at 10am,lets meet at the Gate!Like if you will join us! Reach Mandela C Sangura on 0702741898 or Teresia on 0723252005! See you there!”

Confirmations came like no other, those who could not make it sent their early apologies in order that we could make proper arrangements.

On that fateful day, members that confirmed showed up and were ready for the task. We were so excited that we were putting our energies on the right course. Team work was crucial, we started cleaning the expansive facility, sometimes in turns to allow others take a breath! Dusting the seats and staircases, down into the radiology room where we were encountered with a big x-ray machine.

LESSONS LEARNT

Members and Friends of Nipe Sauti may think it’s not worth their time to get involved in the community because it doesn’t pay like a normal job would. However, there are several benefits of volunteering can give you that no other job can. From the visit, we felt good that our efforts were appreciated by someone who needs us the most.

When you are working on campaigns and projects and getting to see real-life results, you will get to know how your personal attributes and actions can make a difference. Many of these qualities are things that we can’t get good feedback. For example, members learn that they have excellent skills in coping with a crisis or other stressful situation, or may learn that they find taking charge of a team to be a struggle. This kind of exposure to different situations can then teach members how to further develop skills that they have, and how to work on areas they struggle in.

Vincent, Anne & Duncan (Author)

In particular, members are advancing in their ability to develop skills in leadership, communication, working well with a team, and finding solutions for problems.

We also found that there is tremendous need in ensuring suitable healthcare facilities, a social justice issue.

Once people learn more about struggles and injustices that other groups of people face, they are statistically more likely to want to actively take part in making a change in the policies and social structures that keep certain groups from succeeding. This change can take many forms, such as active campaigning, voting in elections, and continuing to volunteer time to important causes.

We are making a difference, be part of us!

By: Ducan Mnyogha

Join us at Texas Cancer Centre

Nipe Sauti Africa Great Family, Join us to volunteer at Texas Cancer Centre situated at Hurligham Plaza this Saturday 11th June, 2016. The centre will be holding a cancer screening exercise in Kangemi/Westlands. There fore we have been requested to join them in this particular event.

We shall meet there at 8.20am and reach out. Those who don't know the place, we shall meet in Town, Kencom stage (opposite Hilton Hotel) at 7:30am.
What you need is just being there.We shall do cleaning and thereafter go to Kangemi to facilitate Cancer Screening Exercise. For more information or clarification call Duncan on 071380806 or Dennis on 0714764548.By 4pm we shall call it a day. See you there.God bless you,God bless NIPE SAUTI AFRICA

Also: Read free e-books on all topics today