Chemi Kijijini Ilela, Manda

Muhogo ni chakula kikuu huko Manda. Hivi sasa kuna ukame. Nashangaa kwenye picha naona kijani kijani, lakini nilivyokuwa huko kila kitu kilikuwa 'brown' shauri ya kukosa mvua! Ugali wa muhogo na dagaa wa Ziwa Nyasa tamu sana.

Nilionana na ndugu wengine sana huko Ilela. Wengi walinikumbuka kwa vile nilikuwa mtundu sana nuikiwa mdogo.

Kaburi la Marehemu baba mdogo, Prof. Crispin Hauli huko Ilela. Alipofariki alikuwa Naibu Waziri wa Fedha.

Njia kati ya Nsungu na Ilela, Manda Mnaona mlima wa Manda. Inaitwa Mt. Likolombola. (wadau naomba mnisaidie jina sahihi)

Ndugu huko Ilela Manda (Mama Nsumuka)

Niko na Ndugu wengine

Mimi na Bibi Mburuma, siyo bibi yangu lakini ni ndugu wa karibu.

Sara binti wa ndugu yangu Cassian ananisalimia

Niko na Happy, mtoto wa ndugu yangu Mama Rose

IBUA FILMS STAR TANZANIA YAHAMIA MWANZA

Baada ya mchakato mzima wa kuibua vipaji vya wasanii chipukizi wa maigizo yaani IBUA Film Star Tanzania kuanzia Arusha, zoezi zima linahamia Mwanza katika Nyanza Shule ya msingi iliyopo Balewa Road tarehe 14 na 15 Novemba kabla ya kuhamia Dodoma.

Chipukizi waliofanikiwa kuiwakilisha mkoa wa Arusha ni pamoja na Salum Ahmed Shafii, Pauline Edward Munisi, Michael Elias Mrema, Mbara Meena na Enhard Haruna. Kutokana na mwamko mkubwa wa wasanii chipukizi, fomu za kujiunga na shindano la IBUA Film Star Tanzania zinaendelea kutolewa maeneo mbali mbali na mikoa husika. Hii ni kuwawezesha wasanii chipukizi kupata nafasi ya kuonyesha uwezo wao ya kuendeleza vipaji vyao na kuviacha vikipotea kwa kukosa njia ya kuvikuza. Usaili wa mikoani utaandaliwa vipindi maalum na kuonyeshwa kupitia mojawapo ya runinga hapa nchini.

Taasisi ya YEC Production, inayojihusisha na kukuza na kuibua vipaji kwa vijana katika ulingo wa filamu nchini, imegundua njia pekee ya kuibua vipaji hivyo na kuviokoa visipotee kwa kuanzisha shindano maalum la kusaka vipaji. Washiriki wataonyeshwa kwenye runinga kupitia kipindi maalum ambapo watazamaji watahusishwa kumpata staa halisi wa filamu Tanzania.

Mbali na kuviendeleza vipaji vyao pia washiriki watapata mafunzo katika nyanja zote kuanzia za uandishi wa muongozo (scripting) hadi uigizaji bora na kuwawezesha kufikia malengo yao.

Vigezo vilivyotumika katika kumsaka msanii huyo chipukizi ni kuwa na umri wa miaka 16 ikiwa ni pamoja na uelewa. Hata kutokuonekana katika tamthilia au sinema ya aina fulani hapa nchini hicho pia ni kigezo kimojawapo ambacho ni kizuri, kwani vijana wanaochipukia ndiyo wanahitaji msaada mkubwa katika kuibuliwa vipaji, tofauti na wakongwe ambao tayari wamejitangaza.

YEC, imeahidi kuyaangalia matatizo yanayowakabili wasanii kwa kina na kuahidi kutoyarudia, kama yanavyofanywa na baadhi ya wasanii wakongwe, ndiyo maana wameamua kuingia mikataba ya mwaka mmoja na washindi watakaofika kumi bora, ili kuliepuka tatizo hilo.

Sambamba na mikataba hiyo kwa watakaofika kumi bora, pia watatoa nafasi ya kuwapeleka shule watakaoingia tano bora kwa ajili ya kujiendeleza mambo mbali mbali ya sanaa ambapo atakayeibuka kinara atapewa zawadi nyingine maalum.

Pia mchakato wa kuwapata washindi kumi hadi tano bora utaanzia kwenye 20 bora, ambapo watacheza filamu mbili huku majaji wakiangalia kipaji cha msanii mmoja baada ya mwingine na kuendelea kuchujwa hadi kupatikana mshindi.

Filamu watakayocheza zitakuwa katika mandhari ya mtanzania halisi, huku asilimia 60 ya mauzo ya kazi hizo yatakayopatikana zitakuwa kwa ajili ya wasanii wenyewe.

Kutokana na kuona umuhimu wa suala hilo, Baraza la Sanaa la Taifa (BASATA) liliamua kutoa vibali halali vya kuendesha mchakato huo, ikiwa ni pamoja na kupewa baraka na chama cha hakimiliki Tanzania (COSOTA) ya kusimamia kazi hiyo.

Mikoa husika katika mchakato wa kwanza ni Arusha, Mbeya, Zanzibar, Mwanza, Dodoma na Dar es Salaam lakini wigo wa mikoa utaongezeka mwaka hadi mwaka.

Jackline Wolper
Balozi IBUA Film Star Tanzania

Kipindupindu (Cholera) Dar es Salaam

Jamani, ugonjwa wa kipindupindu umeingia tena Dar es Salaam. Kuna shida kubwa mno ya maji jijini. Watu wameongezeka lakini uwezo wa kuleta maji safi ya kutosha haipo. Watu wananunua maji ya kunywa na ya mahitaji ya nyumbani nk. kuoga, kuflashi vyoo. Lakini je, hayo maji wanoletewa ni masafi? Kuna watu wanaopitsiha maji na videbe kwenye mikokoteni, je, ni masafi? Hapo zamani za kale, eheee, uliweza kunywa maji ya bomba mjini Dar es Salaam. Hivi sasa huwezi maana watu wametoboa mabomba na mauchafu yanaingia kwenye maji! Uchafu kutoka kwenye vyoo vya shimo unaingia humo pia! Mungu Atunusuru!

Je, serikali ina mpango gani wa kuleta maji safi ya kutosha kwa wakazi wa Dar es Salaam?

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Kutoka ippmedia.com

10th November 2009

18 admitted to special camps

At least 18 people in Dar es Salaam suffering from cholera, have been admitted to a special camp set up to control the disease.

Dar es Salaam City’s acting chief medical officer; Dr Hawa Kawawa said yesterday that the patients have been hospitalized in three special camps for people who have contracted cholera.
She said that the affected patients come from Temeke, Ilala and Kinondoni municipalities.
She said that one patient is from Ilala, seven are from Kinondoni and ten are from From Temeke.

“We have decided to introduce these three special camps which deal with cholera in each municipality, where full time medical doctors have been deployed,” said Kawawa.
The camps are located at Tambuka Reli in Temeke, Buguruni in Ilala and Mburahati in Kinondoni.
She said the patients were from Tabata, Tegeta-Kibaoni,Makurumla, Mburahati , Tandale, Magomeni, Tuangoma,
Tandika and Maguruwe.
According to her, medicines were available to treat the patients.
The official further underscored the need for extensive awareness campaign to address the problem, in the country’s metropolitan city.
She said the city council will introduce house-to-house inspections to ensure that surroundings were clean.
“I urge Dar es Salaam dwellers to ensure that their homes are clean all the time. And those whose surroundings would be found to be dirty would face serious consequences,” she stressed.
It was reported recently that at least 59 people have died of the disease in the past two months in the country, with the most affected being the north-eastern coastal region of Tanga.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Ilela, Manda

Kijiji waliokaa mabibi na mababu zangu ni Ilela, Manda. Sehemu kubwa ya hicho kijiji kiko chini ya maji ya Ziwa Nyasa. Kijiji nilichojua nikiwa mtoto iko chini ya maji unayaoona pichani. Yaani hii beach unayoona ndo ilikuwa milima ya enzi zile. Nilikaa kwenye kiti nje ya tulipofikia na kutazama yale maji na kutoa machozi. Kijiji kilimezwa mwaka 1974. Natamani marine archeologists waende huko wachunguze hiyo eneo. Kumbe kuna Tsunami Afrika, tena kwenye ziwa! Na tulipokuwa kwenye meli kuelekea kijijini nilionja hasira ya Ziwa Nyasa, mawimbi makali kama bahari!

Marehemu bibi yangu, Gandula, kabla ya kufariki alisimulia hivi.... Walikuwa kijijini wanafanya shughuli zao. Ghafla wakaona zinga la wimbi la inakuja, walikimbia mlimani. Kijiji karibu chote kikamezwa. Maajabu hakuna aliyekufa wakati huo. Nyumba za wanavijiji, nyumba za mkoloni, miti, mibuyu, shule, makaburi, kila kitu kilimezwa na ziwa!

Wanasema kuna Mzee fulani, Mzee Kwiyanja, aliwaambia miaka mingi, hameni hapo Ilela, maana kijiji kitamezwa. Bibi alisema kuwa walikuwa wanamcheka yule Mzee na kumwona mwendawazimu. Yeye alihama na kujenga mlimani. Baada ya tukio wakamwona yule mzee kama mtume (prophet).

Kuna sehemu ya Ilela imebaki. Na nilipoenda kutembea nilikutana na wanavijiji wengi walionikumbuka hasa kwa ajili ya utundu wangu nikiwa mdogo. Picha zaidi za Ilela zinakuja.

Bandari ya Manda

Ukitoka bandarini kuelekea kijijini unakutana na huo mbuyu mkubwa. Niliuliza vijana wenye mgahawa hapo historia ya huo mbuyu, wakasema ni mbuyu tu. Nahisi ina miaka kama mia 500 au zaidi. Lazima imeona mengi. Ingeweza kusema! Manda, ilikuwa makao makuu ya Nyasaland enzi za Mjerumani. Walipaita, Wiedhaven au Wiedhafen.

Hiyo ni gofu la bandari ya zamani.

Meli ndo inapiga nanga hapo usiku sana kwenye giza. Manda hakuna umeme. Tulifika saa nane ya usiku, lakini kulikuwa na mba la mwezi safi sana. Ziwa Nyasa ni kubwa kama bahari.

Nafasi za Kazi Tanzania

TANZANIA OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE

VACANCIES

Tanzania Occupational Health Service is a non profit making organization serving the health needs of industrial workers, their dependants and the general public.

Applications are invited to fill the following vacant positions:-

MODE OF APPLICATION

Applications accompanied with copies of certificates, C.V., two names of referees with their postal address, e-mail and telephone numbers should be sent to the following address:-

The Director General

Tanzania Occupational Health Service

P/O/ Box 3520

DAR ES SALAAM

Alternatively you can send your application by e-m ail through the following address:-

tohs.hostpial@gmail.com

Applications received after fourteen days from the first press appearance of this advertisement will not be considered.

Position Titled: Director of Business Development and Projects

Reports to:- Director General

Job Summary

The Director of Business Development and Projects directs the marketing, public relations, patient relations/customer service, planning and business development functions of the Association. As a member of the management committee he participates in leadership and contributes to decision making at senior Managerial level in an active and positive manner.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

· Organizes and directs marketing, promotions, advertising and public relations

· Establishes and directs the patient relations/customer service functions of the Association

· Designs and manages the strategic/operational planning processes for the Association

· Manages and co-ordinates business development for key Association’s initiatives.

· Conceives and prepares Project write-ups and solicits donors to fund them.

· Prepares departmental budget recommendations and monitors within approved budgets.

· Contributes to and promotes positive relationships between Association’s staff and guests/patients.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Business Administration or related field coupled with three years working experience in health care or public agency, preferably in a job related area. Strong financial and analytical skills, understanding of business development, strategic planning and marketing in the health care industry. Ability to build rapport and relationships quickly. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, computer and software skills, including word processing, spread sheet and database management.

Position Title: Sale and Marketing Manager

Reports to: Director of Business Development and Projects

Job Summary:

To assist the Director of Business Development and Projects with promoting the Association’s services to all customer groups and ensuring that business growth objectives are delivered in accordance with plan requirements.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

· Recruits more clients and companies to use the Association’s services.

· Maintains the marketing contact database

· Assists in the preparation and delivery of the business development plan and review process.

· Works with the Director to develop all supporting marketing collateral

· Collects, analyses and reports on clients feedbacks

· Nurtures relationships between clients and internal clinical and other support staff

· Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration or related field coupled with two years working experience in a health care organization or public agency preferably in a job related area. Computer literacy is essential.

Position Title: Project Manager

Reporting to: The Director of Business Development and Projects

Job Summary

To conceive and prepare project write-ups and solicit donors to fund them and to organize fund raising activities.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

· Conceives and prepares project write-ups and solicits donors to fund them

· Organizes fund raising activities

· Other duties as assigned

Qualifications


Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration or related field coupled with two years working experience. Experience in conceiving and preparing project write-ups and organizing fund raising activities is essential. He/She should be computer literate.

Position Title: Director of Finance

Reports to: The Director General

Job Summary:

The Director of Finance shall be the Head of Finance department and is responsible to the Director General. He shall direct and coordinate the financial resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Formulates, recommends and enforces financial polices, systems and procedures;

· Establishes and maintains in accordance with accepted principles all financial records and related documents for the Organization;

· Supervises the implementation of accounting functions by ensuring collection, classification, recording and reconciliation of accounting data;

· Establishes budget format, provides background costs and revenue, coordinates the preparation of Annual Budget and ensures timely presentation to the Board for approval;

· Reviews constantly the Organization’s financial position and ensures prompt provision of relevant financial information to Management.

· Takes appropriate action for collecting revenue due to the organization;

· Provides for adequate insurance of the Organizations assets

· Ensures that the Organization’s financial obligations are met promptly and all payments are made in accordance with financial regulations and under appropriate authority;

· Ensures prompt production of accurate Annual and Financial reports for auditing and publication in accordance with statutory requirements

· Provides for an adequate external audit that will safeguard the assets of the organization, checks the accuracy and reliability of the accounting data, and enforces adherence to prescribed accounting policies and principles;

· Provides answers for audit queries;

· Maintains a class working relationship with financial institutions and external auditors in order to enlist their cooperation and assistance.

Qualifications:

Holders of CPA(T) ACCA, ACA, CA or equivalent full professional accountancy qualification plus at least 3 years working experience in accounting or audit practice at senior level. Registration with NBAA as authorized Accountant is essential.

Position Title: Information and Communication Technology Manager

Reports to: Director of Finance

Job Summary: To Manage all Association’s information technologies and provide support and training.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities
· Develops and maintains technology policies, standards, procedures and manuals, develops and maintains related technology checklists

· Manages network operations to include trouble shooting connectivity problems, instating and maintaining routers, adding/terminating users, assigning rights and access, resetting pass words

· Assesses and reports operational status etc.

· Assists staff in understanding and using technology; conducts regular staff technology presentations and trainings

· Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in computer Science or related field coupled with two years working experience in a job-related field. Computer literacy is essential.

SALARIES AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Attractive salaries and fringe benefits will be offered to right candidates.

Kivutio cha Watalii kijijini Manda

Wadau, hii kaburi ni la Mjerumani aliyekufa huko Manda mwaka 1904. Alizaliwa 1879. Maandishi yalikuwa kwa kijerumani hivyo sikuelewa vizuri wanasema nini. Nasikia wazungu wakifika kijijini ni lazima wafike huko kuona kaburi. Ni njiani kwenda kanisa la St. Thomas, huko Nsungu. Pia watu huko wanaamini kuwa wajerumani wameacha dhahabu tele huko kijijini. Kila siku watu wanachimba huko kuzitafuta!

Stori inaendea hivi, Mwingereza alipovamia, wajerumani walitia dhahabu yao kwenye sanduku. Waafrika wawili walipewa kazi la kubeba hiyo sanduku. Waliambiwa wachimbe shimo kubwa la kuficha hiyo sanduku. Baada ya kuchimba hilo shimo, waliingiza sanduku. Wajerumani waliwapiga risasi hao waafrika wawili na kuwazika humo humo kwenye shimo na hilo sanduku la dhahabu. Walihofia watasema wameficha wapi hiyo dhahabu. Kuna watu ambao wanaamini kuwa wajerumani wameacha ishara kadhaa kuonyesha walipozika ila sanduku.

Picha zingine zitabandikwa kesho jioni.

Salamu kwa Rais Obama kutoka Tangi Bovu, Dar es Salaam

Kaka Christopher wa Tangi Bovu/ Hill Top Square anatuma salaam za pongezi kwa Rais Barack Obama. Anasema amefurahi sana kuona mtu mweusi mwenye busara anaongoza nchi kubwa kama Marekani. Kanunua khanga na kushonea nguo kabisa. Ananyosha kidole kuelekea Marekani.

Mukesh wa Tabora

Wadau waliosoma Tabora Girls/Boys, na kupitia Masange JKT wataelewa hii blog.

Siku ya jumamosi nilikutana na Mukesh aka. Al Wattan wa Tabora. Nilikutana naye kwenye maduka pale Tangi Bovu/Shule unapopanda mabajaji. Niliingia kwenye duka pale kutafuta mahitaji. Nilishangaa kwa nini jamaa hajui bei ya vitu kwenye duka lake. Kaniambia kuwa hilo duka ni la mke wake na anamshikia kwa muda kwani yeye anakaa Tabora. Nikamwambia mbona mimi nilishakaa Tabora. Alisema, kila mtu mjini Tabora anamfahamu fundi wa magari. Ndo kuongea tukakuta kumbe tunajuana siku nyingi, ila mara la mwisho kuonana ni 1984 nilipomaliza Masange JKT. Tukapeana story za enzi zile. Nilimtania, yaani hatukujuana kwa vile tumezeeka!

Malaria!

Wadau, nimerudi Boston. Siku ya jumamosi nilikuwa sijisikii vizuri nikiwa nyumbani kwa wazazi wangu pale Tangi Bovu. Ilikuwa nikitembea kidogo nachoka. Mama yangu kasema niende Massana Hospital kupima damu. Nilienda jumapili asubuhi kupima. Kweli nilikutwa na Malaria! Duh! Nikapewa tiba. na kuondoka mchana huo huo. Yaani nadhani niliambukiwa siku ya kwanza nilivyokuwa Dar.

Chandarua ya dawa, dawa ya kuzuia mbu ya kupaka, RUNGU, Anti-malarials (malarone) hazikuyfanya kazi!

Hata hivyo nategemea kurudi Tanzania mwakani na kukaa muda mrefu zaidi!

Samahani kwa UKIMYA!!!!

Wadau, kumradhi. Nilikuwa kijijini kwetu Manda, Ludewa mkoa wa Iringa. Hakuna mtandao kijijini ingawa unaweza kupiga simu hata Marekani! Kwa sasa niko Dar es Salaam, Tangi Bovu kwa wazazi wangu. Wiki ijayo nitabandika picha kibao za safari.

U.S. State Department Travel Alert - Tanzania

Travel Alert
Tanzania (including Zanzibar)
October 15, 2009

The U.S. Department of State alerts American citizens to the possibility
of election-related unrest as Zanzibar registers voters for the upcoming
general elections expected October 2010. American citizens who choose to
travel to Zanzibar during this period are advised to maintain a high
level of security vigilance and avoid political rallies, centers where
voter registrations are taking place, and related public gatherings.
This replaces the Travel Alert of August 28, 2009, to reflect continued
voter registration throughout the Archipelago of Zanzibar, which
includes both islands of Pemba and Unguja. This Travel Alert expires on
February 15, 2010.

Past elections in Zanzibar have featured violence during the campaign
season, the election and especially in the days and weeks following
announcement of the results. Since registration of voters began on the
island of Pemba on July 6, 2009, there have been reports of civil
unrest.
Voter registration on Pemba Island is expected to conclude on January
10, 2010. Voter registration on the larger island of Unguja (also
referred to as "Zanzibar") began September 12 and is expected to
conclude February 14, 2010. A second round of voter registration is
anticipated in late spring 2010 and may carry with it similar political
tensions.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should
regularly monitor the Department's Internet website
(http://travel.state.gov ), where the current
Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the World Wide
Caution, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can
also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for
callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at
1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00am to 8:00pm
Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays.
Americans living or traveling in Tanzania are encouraged to register
with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration
website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, so that they can
obtain updated information on travel and security within Tanzania.
Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest
U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the
Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The Consular Section of
the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania can be contacted by telephone [255] (22)
266-8001 ext. 4122 and fax [255] (22) 266-8238. You may also contact the
U.S. Embassy in Tanzania via email at drsacs@state.gov. For after hour
emergencies U.S. citizens should call [255] (22) 266-8001.

Car Trouble in Da Hood

Wanavijiji Wafukuzwa Morogoro

Premier Mizengo Pinda (C), flanked by Morogoro regional commissioner, Colonel (rtd) Issa Machibya (L), Kilombero district commissioner, Evarist Ndikilo and Kilombero Plantations Limited manager, Carter

Huko Zimbabwe, Mugabe anafukuzwa wazungu kusudi wananchi wa kiafrika wapate ardhi ya kulimia. Sisi Tanzania, tunafukuza waafrika kusudi wazungu wapate ardhi ya kulimia. Ukoloni Mamboleo?

**********************************************************

Kutoka ippmedia.com

Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda has ordered villagers who invaded the Mngeta Rice Farm (MRF) in Kilombero district, Morogoro region to leave immediately to make way for massive agricultural investments.

The premier issued the order over the weekend on the second day of his official tour of Morogoro region to inspect agricultural activities including farms and research centres.

Addressing Mngeta villagers, the Prime Minister said about 2,000 residents of Mngeta and Lukolongo villages have illegally taken over 300 hectares out of 5,000 hectares in the potential area for paddy farming.

He directed Morogoro regional authorities to ensure that villagers who have illegally invaded the area are immediately relocated to other areas.

“But this should be done in a proper manner. I would not prefer the use of force during the process of relocation,” the Premier cautioned, stressing that farmers should continue cultivating around the MRF as out-growers and contract farmers.

He said the move would enable the farmers acquire farming skills and access to rice farming infrastructures.

MRF is co-owned by Rufiji Basin Development Authority (RUBADA) and a UK based investor, Agrica.

The two have formed a new company known as Kilombero Plantations Limited (KPL) to help boost modern agriculture in the region.

The farm was established in 1986 under Korea Tanzania Agricultural Company (KOTACO). KPL started to operate the farm in 2008 and succeeded to cultivate more that 2,000 hectares of rice with an investment of 22bn/-.

Pinda arrived in Morogoro last Saturday and started his tour by visiting Kilombero district where he received information on development of the ‘Kilimo Kwanza’ initiative from the District Commissioner, Eng. Evarist Ndikilo. He also visited the Katrin Agricultural Research Centre.

He also visited Chita-Melela valley which is used for rice cultivation.

The Prime Minister also advised farmers to establish a Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (Saccos) that would provide them with funds to improve their agriculture, and promised to give them 10m/- once they manage to contribute among themselves a total of 10m/-.

Pinda yesterday visited Sagamaganga village to see a demonstration farm for livestock keeping where he promised a 3m/- donation as a contribution for purchases of animal feeds and vaccination.

CHANZO: THE GUARDIAN

Jamaica at Sweet Eazy

Wayward Husband Notice -Kenyan Style

Kutoka Michuzi Blog: Tanzania igeni jamani! Mbona itakuwa kazi!

Miss EA Schengen 2009 - Questions and Concerns

Miss EA Schengen 2009 - Questions and Concerns

Dear community, can you please share my concerns below in your respected outlets.

I would like to understand a few things about this Miss EA Schengen competition (as there seems to be a lot of Miss competitions popping up with the notion of empowering young women). For anyone who can help, please do share your knowledge. Earlier attempts to speak to Mr. Charles Gadi were futile, as he hung up on me, upon me saying I did not recognise what the company was. Most importantly, we would like to know who is behind the organisation. What is their background? Who is training the girls? What do these individuals do for life? The girls competiting are required not to have "poor behaviour or they will be disqualified". Are the organisers, trainers etc squeaky clean? Will their background impart "beauty, culture and purity" to the girls? Do you really, really know who is working with your daughters and sisters? DO YOU??

So my questions;

1. What kind of organisation is this? Is it an individuals company or an NGO? What is the registration number if anyone knows, and when was it registered. Who is on the board?

2. On the website, the contact is not clear, there is only an e-mail and phone number but no physical address.

3. What kind of health (or any other) insurances are in place for young girls participating in this event?

4. The organisation aims to encourage people to visit East African countries etc. Is this encouraging East Africans in the diaspora to go back to their own countries, or they are targeting Europeans? If so, how is this being marketed to them?

5. One of the entry requirements is; girls must be single and have no children. Why specifically single? Is this a discrimination on young girls who might have boyfriends? Does it make them improper to serve the community?

6. I see there are only 2 sponsors, one travel company and a restaurant. Are they the main sponsors of the event? Do they provide the presents for these young girls? I believe, it is important to have transparency, and it would be encouraging to see the companies put forward what they are actually sponsoring, so that come the time their word will be legally binding (mainly to the participating girls). I would hate to see naive young girls being exploited.

7. Does the company provide psychological support to young girls who might be vulnerable to insults that will no doubt pop in different blogs whereby the individual has decided to market. It is one thing to claim to build confidence in young girls, it is another when individuals elsewhere try and knock young girls' confidence. A proper organisation should have these things in place.

8. On that note, a concerned parent has recently called the organiser, Mr. Gadi in relation to the pictures and more importantly to a "bongoflava" cheap $2 video (NOTE: $2 is a compliment), which consists of lyrics that arent pleasant to a parent, with videos of the young girls pictures flashing. He has been asked to remove them, the singer has been requested to remove them. In reply Mr. Gadi said "Maybe I will do", "I will see what I can do" or "They are 18 years, they can decide what they want". I believe on this note, an organiser creating a reputable organisation, promoting positivity for the girls, shows a lack of understanding and respect to a concerned parent and our beautiful african culture. I believe the organiser has a family, and needs to think like a family man. So if anyone else knows who is running this organisation, it will be wise to share it, so they can be contacted, perhaps they might show sense and discuss as grow ups.

9. It may be neccessary to contact the different ambassadors to understand their involvement in this event, and whether they endorse the carefree nature of dealing with parents as shown by this particular organiser.

10. For parents who have young girls competiting for these events, it is important you ask questions and make sure your children's interests are best served. Where will your girls be staying? How are they funding their travelling costs? Will these costs be recouped regardless of whether they win or lose?

Food For Thought for parents: What do you want your young girls to achieve from this? Is it attention? Fame? Material things? If helping the community, is parading on stage and being viewed as an object what your daughter is about? In terms of modelling, in Europe there are a lot of very genuine modelling companies with clear procedures on how they are run. My word is, ask questions, talk to your friends, advise them and do the right and sensible things for your young daughters and sisters.

Best of Regards,

Denis

Defunkadelic

(Please feel free to contact me in private and in confidence. I am accessible on the e-mail (and my mobile no. is available on request via e-mail), I will be happy to speak out when you do not dare, where neccessary, you can always rely on the rule of law).

ASANTE MICHUZI JR. JIACHIE BLOG

Alogwa kwa Kutembea na Mke wa Mtu!

Kumbe huko Zambia kuna dawa kali za kienyeji. Huyo jamaa alitembea na mke wa mtu huko Zambia. Kafumaniwa na mume wa mwanamke wake. Huyo mume kaenda kumfanyia dawa kali. Jamaa kafaa baada ya ume wake kuvimba kuwa saizi ya paja! Bofya picha kusoma habari kamili. (Picha kutoka Michuzi Blog)

The Harlem Renaissance Revisited - October 16th

Ms. Thelma (mimi) na Ms. Evelyn (Irene O'Bannon)

Costume 2 Ms. Thelma na mchumba wake Joe (Big Moe da Comedian)

Ms. Thelma akitenda wema

Ms. Thelma akipodiwa

Chemi, Ms. Elite 2009, Ms. Evelyn

Ukitaka kuwa tajiri, cheza namba na Steve Lucky aka. Joe Banks

Mary McLoud Bethune aka. Wanda Perry Josephs

Bag Lady (Ruby Hill) na Ms. Evelyn

Bag Lady na Ms. Harmon (Linda Henderson)

Wadau, hizi ni picha chache kutoka Maonyesho ya Ijumaa iliyopita, ya mchezo wa kuigiza, The Harlem Renaissance Revisited with a Gospel Flavor. Tulikuwa Robsham Theater, Boston College. Hizi ni behind the scenes, kabla hatujaenda jukwaani.

Peter Mwagula Kayele Kapanga'a Pdocast

Hi everyone, I posted a new episode to my podcast, Peter Mwagula Kayele Kapangas Podcast.
Please click the link below to view it.

http://kapanga.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-10-19T21_33_04-07_00
See you there!
- Peter