More News from the Motherland

 

By Natasha L. Foreman, MBA

Below are links to some intriguing and very informed articles about issues and events taking place throughout several countries in Africa. You or someone you know may be from, a descendant of, or planning a trip to one of these countries. Staying connected keeps you informed, educated, and empowered. As always, share your thoughts if it moves you!

Cameroon: Stepping Naturally Away from Plastic

With news that food wrapped in plastic is known to cause cancer, there has been a move to transition back to the traditional and more natural way of wrapping food…with banana and plantain leaves. Some community radio stations in Cameroon have picked up the warning and are carrying out mass campaigns against the use of plastic to wrap food. In Oku, a locality in Cameroon’s North West Region, the response to the campaign conducted by “The Voice of Oku” has been tremendous.
http://www.ips.org/africa/2012/01/cameroon-stepping-naturally-away-from-plastic/

* Zimbabwe: Pastors Rescue Refugees *

 Local pastors last week thwarted attempts by immigration officials

 to detain and deport Congolese refugees who had sought shelter at

 a church in Makokoba suburb after fleeing political violence in

 their country.

 http://allafrica.com/stories/201201090433.html

* Congo-Kinshasa: Baloji – a Breath of Fresh Air for Music *

 He spots a four-inch wedge of hair, has a taste for colourful designer

 clothes and sings songs reflecting the experience of coming to terms

 with his African heritage while living in Europe.

 http://allafrica.com/stories/201201090362.html

* Congo-Kinshasa: Youth Leaders Award Monusco a Prize of Excellence for

 Peace Efforts *

 A local youth association known as Umoja Cargo, awarded the United

 Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic

 Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) a prize of excellence for its peace

 efforts in the Nord-Kivu territory of Rutshuru. The prize, which was

 symbolically represented as a diploma, was awarded in the presence

 of some 50 guests at a ceremony organized for the occasion on

 Friday, 30 December.

 http://allafrica.com/stories/201201090338.html

Nigeria: Deregulation Is a Necessary Change – President Jonathan *

 President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has said deregulation of the

 petroleum sector is a necessary change Nigeria must make if government

 will have a significant impact in the lives of citizens.

 http://allafrica.com/stories/201201092272.html

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman, MBA. Some Rights Reserved.

The Latest News from the Motherland

 

By Natasha L. Foreman, MBA

So as many of you know, I am very passionate about what goes on throughout the continent of Africa, and there are some countries that I zoom in on the most (Ethiopia, Sudan, Rwanda, DRC, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, and several others). I wanted to share the latest happenings and headlines with you, so that you too can expand your mind and vision beyond what you see and read in American media. Enjoy, and of course share your thoughts if you like.

Sudan: Locals Taking Part in Ethiopia’s Trade, Bazaar *

 A number of Sudanese firms and businessmen are taking part at a trade

 and bazaar in Ethiopia’s Amhara state.

http://www.sudantribune.com/Sudanese-taking-part-in-Ethiopia-s,41222

South Africa: Will Country Continue to Buckle Under Pressure

 From China?

 As the ANC celebrates its 100 years of existence, South Africa this

 year faces a number of important foreign policy decisions, including

 how to manage its relations with China.

 http://www.iss.co.za/iss_today.php?ID=1408

South Africa: ANC At 100 – From Struggle to Power *

 Africa’s oldest liberation movement celebrated 100 years in power on

 Sunday. The highlight should have been a speech by ANC leader Jacob

 Zuma, but while his dancing may have entertained, his words didn’t.

 http://allafrica.com/stories/201201092247.html

* Zimbabwe: Chinese Become Unwelcome Guests *

 Alec Marembo has built his family fortune making bricks in

 Dzivarasekwa, a sprawling high-density suburb north of the capital of

 Zimbabwe. But due to the economic crisis of the last decade, his

 fortune started crumbling. Although he could break even when the

 downturn started, he finally gave in to competition from the Chinese.

http://www.ips.org/africa/2012/01/zimbabwe-chinese-become-unwelcome-guests/

Rwanda: Genocide Suspect Living in Canada Faces Deportation *

 Rwandan scholar Léon Mugesera, who has been living in Canada

 since 1993 was notified on December 27 that he would face deportation

 on January 12, his lawyer told Canadian media on Friday.

 http://allafrica.com/stories/201201092266.html

Rwanda: Law On Organ Donation Might Remove Taboo and Save Lives *

 A new ministerial order makes it possible for people to volunteer to

 be an organ donor. For that to succeed, some resistance, especially

 from certain religious groups, will have to be overcome.

http://focus.rw/wp/2012/01/law-on-organ-donation-might-remove-taboo-and-save-lives/

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved.

Highlights of Efforts Towards Improving Education and More for Rwandan Children

By Natasha L. Foreman, MBA

I ran across two stories impacting Rwandan children and of course, their teachers, families and communities that brought a smile to my face. The first article is about Rwandan children speaking up and sharing their views about education, their needs, and what they hope to gain from he dialogue with adults and country leaders.

Something else that brought a smile to my face is the thought that with positive change for one community and one nation, also brings the potential for positive change in other communities and nations. The second article that I have included below speaks to how a positive change and need in Rwanda will also benefit those in Kenya.

Please read and if so inclined, share your thoughts.

Rwanda: Children Need Role Models
The Just-concluded 7th National Children’s Summit offered Rwandan
children the perfect platform to air their views before adults and
the country’s leaders on matters affecting them and how they want
them solved.
http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=14863&article=48859&term=Children%20Need%20Role%20Models

Jobs Galore for Teachers as Rwanda Seeks Tutors
Rwanda is planning to hire at least 4,000 teachers from the East
African Community this month, opening an employment window for
thousands of unemployed teachers in the region.
http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Jobs+galore+for+Kenyan+teachers+as+Rwanda+seeks+tutors+/-/2558/1301920/-/bfneii/-/index.html

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved.

Passing on an Important Message from Women for Women International

I am a supporter of Women for Women International, and have been for a few years now. So it is always an honor to share messages and news from this incredible organization. Below is their latest release that I hope you support fully. If we are to truly be global change agents then we must do something to bring about positive change around the world. It begins with exposing the truth that is oftentimes hidden. Women for Women International is doing an amazing job at revealing the truth, and helping women and children in war-torn countries regain and maintain their dignity, so that they can become self-empowering and self-efficacious.

Natasha L. Foreman, MBA

Angelina Jolie’s “In the Land of Blood and Honey” Movie Released Nationwide

-A moving portrait on the struggle of women in war-torn nations
Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie’s new film, “In the Land of Blood and Honey,” is being released nationwide today, Friday 1/6 and next Friday 1/13 in selected cities. The film sheds light on the hugely important issue that rape is still a fundamental weapon of war.

The Bosnian War claimed over 100,000 lives and over two million people were driven from their homes.
Set against the backdrop of the Bosnian War that tore the Balkan region apart in the 1990s, “In the Land of Blood and Honey” tells the story of Danijel and Ajla, two Bosnians from different sides of the brutal ethnic conflict. The film portrays the incredible emotional, moral, and physical toll that the war takes on individuals, as well as the consequences that stem from the lack of political will to intervene in a society stricken by conflict.

More than 15 years after the end of the Bosnian War, women continue to struggle with the effects of the brutal conflict that shattered lives and destroyed communities. Women for Women International has been on the ground in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1994.

Now, nearly two decades later, we have served over 316,000 women worldwide and distributed over $51 million in loans to enable more than 28,000 women to start their own businesses and increase their daily income.

We’re glad to see a film portraying war from womens’ perspectives. Though not on the front lines of battle, women often endure the scars of war just as much, if not more than, men. It’s important to shed light on the unseen victims of conflict.

The film is currently playing in selected cities. We encourage you to check your local theaters for show times, and see it with your friends and family.

On behalf of the women we serve, thank you for your continued support.

-The Women for Women International Team

Women for Women International
4455 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 200 Washington DC 20008

Natasha’s Thought of the Day: Dream Big!

Children are huge dreamers before adults destroy their imaginative spirits and tell them to start thinking smaller, to start being “realistic”. The huge dreams of a child is exactly where God wants us to be. There is no fear connected with dreaming big and setting goals to attain what we desire. There is fear in thinking small. The most successful people in the world open their minds to what most people would consider the impossible, the inconceivable, and the insane. 

Think of President Barack Obama, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Mark Zuckerberg, Mary Kay Ash, Bob Johnson and others who had big dreams and didn’t stop thinking, pushing, and working even after those dreams materialized. Even after they passed away, King, Jobs, and Ash’s legacies continue to live on through the work they started…their passion serves as the fuel for their mission. Their brand continues to grow.

We must realize that our actions and lack thereof impact us and others for generations. The native Americans have a saying that every decision we make today impacts seven generations of the future. So consider the decisions you make each day. Make sound decisions but don’t limit yourself in fear. Allow yourself to dream big and have the intense imagination that you did as a child. Free yourself!

Picture by SoggyPigeon at deviantart.com

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved. 
Excerpts of this thought were first drafted for Breaking Bread with Natasha on WordPress and Blogspot.
Artwork source: soggypigeon.deviantart.com

How Can U.S. Immigration Officials Accidentally Deport a 14-year-old African American Girl?

After reading about 15-year-old Jakadrien Turner and watching the news coverage (see link below), all of this really makes me shake my head and wonder how many other American citizens are “accidentally” being deported?
See for yourself:

Missing American Girl Accidentally Deported to Columbia

How can you take someone’s fingerprints yet not do the necessary work to confirm that person’s identity? How important will it be for our government to get this young African-American girl from Columbia back to her home and family in Texas? This is pitiful and absolutely disturbing. I hope this isn’t what folks mean by ‘immigration reform’ because most of us would be out of here!

Copyright 2012.

Sean’s 2012 Thought

Sean’s 2012 Thought:

New Year’s resolutions are fool’s gold. Do not promise to lose a bunch of weight or be a better spouse, parent or friend. Don’t say you are going to call people or stop cursing. None of these things last.

Instead, be honest with yourself. Listen to those who take time to talk to you. Surround yourself with those who will help you grow not those who will keep you where you are. Find balance in your life and try new things.

In short, make today better than yesterday for everyday this year. Grow internally as a person, as a husband/wife, as a parent, as a boss/worker, and as a friend. Be more than you thought you could be but not more than you should be!

Copyright 2012. All RIghts Reserved.

What Brought Her to Jump?

It brings me such pain to think of this young woman, any woman, any person taking their life. It hurts to think of all of the possibilities that laid before her. It saddens me to think of how far she traveled, how much she endured to reach the young age of 25, thousands of miles away from her birthplace, her home where some of her family still resides. I wonder why? I wonder where her family, friends, and mentors were while she contemplated how she would see her last day. To think of their last conversation with her is chilling. I wonder why there wasn’t ‘enough’ in life to be enough for her to want to live.

The young woman I am speaking of, the “her”, is Dr. Tosin Oyelowo, a graduate of the University of Charleston West Virginia School of Pharmacy, and a first-year pharmacology student at the Medical University of South Carolina. Tosin traveled all the way from Lagos, Nigeria with her family to attend school in the U.S. with dreams, goals, and ambitions of becoming an honorable and successful doctor.

Tosin Oyelowo--A Bright Star Gone Too Soon

Her focus was on doing good and helping others, so what shifted in her life and thinking to make her want to hijack and sabotage her legacy?

What made this young, bright light decide to jump from the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in to South Carolina’s Cooper River?

The blog her family created when she first was reported missing has now been removed: http://drtosinoyelowofamily.wordpress.com/2011/12/17/hello-world/ and her pharmacy school profile is also no longer available for review: http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/pharmacy_services/residency/residents/2011_12/oyelowo.html a sign that although her body has not been found, they believe that she has already passed and transitioned on to her next level of existence.

Do we not recognize a troubled soul that needs help? Do we not stop and ask how we can help, how we can minimize the pain and the struggle that they are trying to endure? What about us? Are we letting our support system know that we are worn out, losing hope, low on faith, and struggling to get up each day? Are we effectively communicating that we need help, that we need guidance, and that we need more support?

Is our desire for success, for achieving greatness, and for doing it before old age, also a potential detonator for an emotional bomb that sets us off to harm ourselves or others? Are we trying to numb and distract ourselves with drugs, alcohol, sex, technology, and other vices? Is suicide one of the possible outcomes when numbing no longer works?

I wonder what Tosin attempted to do to help alleviate her troubles, solve her problems, and bring her joy. I wonder if the same thought she had when driving to the bridge and standing on that ledge is the same once she let go and jumped. Did it bring her peace? I pray that she is at peace. I pray that her family and friends heal from the pain they are feeling right now. I pray that any guilt they may feel dries up and washes away. I pray that their hearts remain warm with memories of Tosin. I hope that her shortened life has a legacy beyond these days, to help those who are in need the most…to help those Tosin dreamed of serving.

To read the article about Tosin Oyelowo visit:
http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/bridge-jumper-identified-as-tosin-oyelowo/Content?oid=3662179

For a listing of suicide hotlines throughout the U.S. visit: http://suicidehotlines.com

To learn more about suicide prevention and depression awareness visit: http://www.save.org

Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.

Natasha’s Inspirational Quote of The Day 1.4.11

“Be a blessing today. Even a smile and ‘hello’ can be just what someone needs to start or end their day in a positive way.”
-Natasha L. Foreman

7 Habits of Highly Frugal People

I ran across this article not too long ago that caught my attention. Simply titled the “7 Habits of Highly Frugal People”, it does an impressive job breaking down seven habits that everyone can do (if serious and committed) to become frugal in their spending and living. Living frugally means spending sparingly, scrimping, and skipping on purchasing simply because you have the money– choosing rather to save towards a purchase or investing in something with greater returns.

If you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, barely making ends meet, having more month than money (with only high-end clothes or gadgets to show for), or realize that your financial legacy may not be much of one in 50-70 years (or worse, 5-10 years), then this article is for you. I took each habit, highlighted key characteristics and then provided additional details and resources at the end. I of course also included a link to the article so you can read it for yourself. Let’s get started shall we?

Habit One: Be Proactive
**Taking the first step and claiming responsibility; telling others this is your goal and intended lifestyle; listen to yourself and your excuses for buying things**

Habit Two: Begin with the End in Mind
**Visualizing effective frugality**

Habit Three: Put First Things First
**Recognize the effects of your finances and understand it’s okay to say no**

Habit Four: Think Win-Win
**Creating frugal win-win scenarios**

Habit Five: Communication
**How listening can help you to become effectively frugal**

Habit Six: Synergize
**Learning ways to be more frugal, and surrounding yourself with other frugal people**

Habit Seven: Sharpen the Saw
**Learning to frugally renew yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually**

To read the article in its entirety visit: http://moneyning.com/frugality/7-habits-of-highly-frugal-people/? There are also some other great things and resources to consider that were mentioned in the article:

1. There are six action steps to take when you are feeling financially vulnerable: http://moneyning.com/better-yourself/6-action-steps-to-take-when-you-feel-financially-vulnerable/

2. When building wealth, remember to think of the big picture too http://moneyning.com/investing/seeing-the-big-picture-in-creating-wealth/

3. Learn to embrace the positive influence of saving money http://moneyning.com/money-beliefs/positive-influence-of-saving-money/

4. Frugality doesn’t mean having to give up all of your luxuries and things that make you happy  http://moneyning.com/frugality/are-you-tired-of-being-frugal/

5. Practicing frugal principles  http://moneyning.com/frugal-living/

6. Making SMART goals http://moneyning.com/better-yourself/add-an-s-to-smart-goals-this-year/

7. Consider these 25 ways to pay off your debt more easily. http://moneyning.com/debt/25-debt-reduction-tips-for-your-immediate-action-plan/

Copyright 2011.
Copyright 2012. Natasha L. Foreman