Saturday, June 29, 2013

Keys to Family Happiness

Dealing With In-Laws

Jenny * says: Ryan’s mother wasn’t shy about expressing her disapproval of me. But then it wasn’t much better for Ryan when it came to my parents. In fact, I had never seen them act so rudely to anyone! Visiting parents on either side of the family came to be a stressful ordeal for both of us.
Ryan says: My mother never thought anyone was good enough for her children, so she found fault with Jenny right from the start. And Jenny’s parents were the same with me—they constantly put me down. The problem is, after such incidents Jenny and I would defend our own parents and criticize each other.

CONFLICT with in-laws may be grist for the mill for comedians, but in real life it is no laughing matter. “For years, my mother-in-law interfered in our marriage,” says Reena, a wife in India. “Often, I vented my anger on my husband because I could not do that to his mother. It seemed as if he constantly had to choose between being a good husband and being a good son.”


Why do some in-laws interfere in the lives of their married children? Jenny, quoted at the outset, suggests one possibility. “It may be difficult for them to see someone young and inexperienced become responsible for taking care of their son or daughter,” she says. Dilip, Reena’s husband, takes it a step further. “Parents who have sacrificed for and nurtured their child may feel that they are being sidelined,” he says. “They could also be genuinely worried that their son or daughter lacks the wisdom to make the marriage a success.”
To be fair, sometimes the in-laws are invited to interfere. For example, consider Michael and Leanne, a married couple in Australia. “Leanne came from a close-knit family where everyone discussed things openly,” Michael says. “So after we got married, she would consult her father on decisions that she and I really needed to make. Her father had much wisdom to share, but I was hurt that she would go to him instead of to me!”
 Clearly, issues with in-laws can put stress on a marriage. Is that true in your case? How do you get along with your spouse’s parents, and how does your spouse get along with yours? Consider two challenges that could arise and what you can do about them.

CHALLENGE 1:

Your spouse seems overly attached to his or her parents. “My wife felt that if we didn’t live near her parents, she would be disloyal to them,” says a husband in Spain named Luis. “On the other hand,” he adds, “when our son was born, my parents came to visit almost every day, leaving my wife stressed. This caused a number of conflicts between us.”

The issues:

Describing the marriage arrangement, the Bible says that in time “a man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) Being “one flesh” implies more than merely living together. Really, it means that a husband and wife form a new family—one that takes priority over their families of origin. (1 Corinthians 11:3) Of course, both husband and wife still need to honor their parents, and often that entails giving them attention. (Ephesians 6:2) What if the way your spouse handles that responsibility leaves you feeling ignored or neglected

What you can do:

Look at the situation objectively. Is your spouse really too attached, or could it be that you simply do not have the same type of relationship with your parents? If that is the case, what bearing might your family background have on your view of the situation? Could a measure of jealousy on your part be involved?Proverbs 14:30; 1 Corinthians 13:4; Galatians 5:26.
It takes honest self-examination to answer such questions. But it is important that you do so. After all, if in-law issues are a constant source of contention between you and your spouse, then what you really have is a marriage problem—not an in-law problem.
Many marriage problems arise because no two partners share precisely the same view of a matter. Can you try to see things from your mate’s perspective? (Philippians 2:4; 4:5) That is what a husband in Mexico named Adrián did. “My wife was raised in a negative family environment,” he says, “so I avoided close association with my in-laws. Eventually I refused to have any association with them at all—for years. This caused conflict within our marriage because my wife still wanted to be close to her family, especially her mother.”
In time, Adrián took a balanced position on the matter. “Although I know that too much contact with her parents has a negative effect on my wife emotionally, no contact at all can also lead to problems,” he says. “To the extent possible, I have tried to restore and maintain a good relationship with my in-laws.” *
TRY THIS: You and your spouse write down what you believe is the primary concern regarding in-laws. If possible, start with “I feel that . . .” Then exchange papers. Together, in a spirit of teamwork, brainstorm ways that you can address each other’s concerns.

CHALLENGE 2:

Your in-laws constantly interfere in your marriage, giving unsolicited advice. “The first seven years of our marriage were spent with my husband’s family,” says a wife in Kazakhstan named Nelya. “Conflicts continually arose over how we raised our children as well as over such issues as my  cooking and cleaning. I talked to my husband and my mother-in-law about it, but this only led to more conflict!”

The issues:

When you marry, you are no longer under the authority of your parents. Instead, the Bible states that “the head of every man is the Christ; in turn the head of a woman is the man”—that is, her husband. (1 Corinthians 11:3) Nevertheless, as mentioned earlier, both husband and wife should honor their parents. In fact, Proverbs 23:22 tells us: “Listen to your father who caused your birth, and do not despise your mother just because she has grown old.” But what if your parents—or your mate’s parents—cross the line and try to impose their views?
source :Awake magazine

What you can do:

In a spirit of empathy, try to discern the motive behind the seeming intrusion. “In some cases parents need to know that they are still important in the lives of their children,” says Ryan, quoted at the outset. Such interference may not be deliberate and can probably be handled by applying the Bible’s admonition to “continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another.” (Colossians 3:13) But what if interference from your in-laws has become serious enough to cause conflict between you and your spouse?
Some married couples have learned to establish appropriate boundaries with their parents. This does not mean that you have to lay down the law to them. * Often, it is just a matter of making it clear by your actions that your mate comes first in your life. For example, a husband in Japan named Masayuki says: “Even if parents express their views, don’t just agree right away. Remember, you are building a new family unit. So first find out how your mate feels about the advice.”
TRY THIS: Discuss with your spouse in what specific ways parental interference is causing conflict in your marriage. Together, write down what boundaries you can set and how you will protect them while still showing honor for your parents.
Many conflicts with in-laws can be alleviated by discerning their motives and by refusing to allow these conflicts to cause contention between you and your spouse. In this regard, Jenny admits: “Sometimes the discussions between my husband and me about our parents were fairly emotional, and it was readily apparent that a great deal of pain could be inflicted by talking about the imperfections of the parents on both sides. Eventually, though, we learned to stop using the imperfections of our in-laws as a club but to deal with the problem at hand. As a result, we have become much closer as husband and wife

Friday, June 28, 2013

The open University Of Tanzania awarded president Obama an Honorary Doctorate Degree


The Honourable Chancellor of The Open University of Tanzania, Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro
has approved the award of an Honorary Doctorate Degree of The Open University of
Tanzania Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) honoris causa to His Excellency The President of The
United States of America, Barack Obama for his outstanding contribution to humanity and
in particular in the field of Community Economic Development (CED). President Obama
will be the fifth President to be awarded the Honorary Doctorate Degree by The
University.
Other distinguished OUT Alumni include the late Father of the Nation Mwalimu Julius
Nyerere, The former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, The former President of
the United Republic of Tanzania Benjamin William Mkapa and the second President of the
United Republic of Tanzania Alli Hassan Mwinyi. To date, OUT has awarded a total of
seven (7) Honorary Degrees that have also been previously awarded to Dr. Jane Goodall
and a UK Professor of Telecommunications David Mellor.
The Open University was the first University to introduce postgraduate studies in
Community Economic Development in Tanzania in the year 2001 when it started offering a
Master of Science Degree in Community Development of The Southern New Hampshire
University (SNHU) of USA. In the academic year 2009/10, the Open University of Tanzania
started awarding its own Masters Degree (Master of Economic Community Development,
MCED) following conclusion of the capacity building phase that was supported by the
SNHU. In the next academic year i.e. 2013/14, OUT expects to start awarding Certificates,
a Bachelor Degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Community Economic Development due
to the popular demand of such training skills in Tanzania
The University is however not yet sure if it will be able to award the honorary degree to HE
during his imminent visit to Tanzania but if it does not get the opportunity to do so, it will
use other means to confer HE President Barack Obama the Honorary Degree.
Prepared by The Office of The Vice Chancellor
The Open University of Tanzania
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
27th June 2013

Tanzania Told to Sever Link With Monsanto

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete is an enthusiastic supporter of Monsanto, but now pressure is mounting on his government to reject GMO technologies as solutions to end hunger

Normally Tanzanian lawmakers would 'prove' their radicalism by blasting rival parties, state authorities, public corporations or ministers for shoddy work done or millions that go missing. They would hardly ever take a swipe at a multinational corporation, much less an American one.

Yet that is what happened recently when Hon Halima Mdee (Chadema) called upon the government to sever its relations with the international seed company Monsanto, which is a major stakeholder in the country's campaign for a green revolution.
She reminded the government that the firm had caused farmers misery and suffering in many countries, including the US, where it is based.

The company, known for the production of genetically modified seeds, has been blacklisted in India, Argentina, Chile and eight European countries because the seeds it sells to farmers at high prices have been a disaster, prompting some nations to institute legal action against it, Ms Mdee said.

'Last year the company committed $50 billion to producing seeds for Africa, but the firm is known around the world as a major producer of genetically modified seeds, which are harmful to farmers and the environment,' she cautioned
Ms Mdee suspected that given the company's bad reputation, President Jakaya Kikwete might have been misinformed by his aides. 'This is because we know that these large multinationals have a tendency to use their financial muscle to compromise government leaders.'

Shadow Agriculture Minister Rose Kamili noted that India has banned the use of cotton seeds produced by Monsanto after research established that they were a threat to farmers and the environment.
In fact more than 1,000 farmers had committed suicide as a result of debts resulting from buying seeds from Monsanto at high prices.
The points brought up by the two ladies hardly triggered any reaction or rejoinder. Probably the lawmakers were not well informed of the subject matter, or they were not too keen to irritate the conglomerates who promote genetically modified organisms (GMO) and the donor agencies that back them.

Yet the debate is no doubt raging within the civil society, among groups that are running concerted campaigns against GMO. But they are not having an easy ride, for Monsanto is applying pressure in the country for amendment to regulations so as to allow GMO.
They are using local scientists and researchers as well as state bigwigs. The firm reportedly provides all the means, from laboratory to foreign travels. In the course of doing this, they manage to get local spokespersons and mouthpieces.
Tanzania Alliance for Biodiversity is not among them. This is a joint coalition that is trying to maintain agricultural biodiversity for food sovereignty and security. It aims at sustainable development, promoting self-determination and facilitating exchange of information and experiences among farmers.

Alliance members are convinced that the introduction of GM crops or animals is not the right solution to poverty and hunger as claimed by the likes of Monsanto.
They are concerned that while Tanzania has so far been GM free, the country has now opened the door to GM biotechnology.
The Alliance has collected various campaigners, including African Centre for Biodiversity, ActionAid International Tanzania, Biolands, BioRe, BioSustain, Envirocare, PELUM Tanzania, Swissaid, and Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement.
They join similar movements in South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, and Uganda, to resist the pressure from the US-driven biotech industry.
On the other side, agribusiness corporations try their level best to promote what they claim to be high-tech miracle seeds for solving the problem of African food insecurity and poverty.

One supporter they apparently managed to bag is none other than President Jakaya Kikwete himself who, in March this year, came out in defence of Monsantos, heaping the blame on those who challenge them, saying they are 'uninformed' and so need to educate themselves.

He called for a transformation of the 'negative mindset' on the adoption of GM technology in the country, challenging scientists in the country to conduct research to establish the 'practicality of the technology', stressing that as long as there are 'no proven major negative impacts', he saw no logic in opposing the application of the technology.
His prime minister, Mizengo Pinda, also accused those who oppose GMO of being 'slow in accepting the opportunity' offered by the technology, claiming that Kenya and Uganda are 'far ahead of us in its application'.

Thus, at the official level Tanzania supports the plan to conduct research on genetically modified crops in the country. The agriculture minister said that Tanzania was aimed at keeping up with the new technology in order to modernise agriculture and promote balanced economic growth.
He said the time for being rigid on the use of GMOs was over.
Nothing is being said about the decision taken by the European Union, who banned GMO crops on grounds such as pesticide resistance and threats to biodiversity or potential negative effects on the environment.
What the Tanzanian and African apologists of GMO have to keep in mind is that traditionally the seed and its control has been the foundation of their agricultural sector. After all some 80% of seed comes from local and communal resources and is adapted to local conditions. It is thus an integral part of the communal food security and agricultural integrity. With the onslaught of GMO this traditional system is undermined.

This is what happens when commercial interests, supported by the World Bank, together with front organisations and self styled philanthropists, attempt to alienate this crucial resource.
This is done by giant multi-national seed and pesticide companies that are promoting hybrid and genetically modified seed. While they claim to assist the development of African agriculture, the end result is disastrous.

One example is the South African seed industry - the biggest in Africa - whose deal was recently sealed when the country's court permitted the sale of its last remaining large seed company, Pannar, to the US multinational Pioneer, a subsidiary of DuPont. With this the US firm is to take over Pannar's African network.

It means South Africa's valuable seed industry is grabbed by world's two largest US seed companies that are to use South Africa to gain inroads into Africa, with serious consequences for indigenous seed networks.
Meanwhile, organisations like the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) claim that new seed being developed for Africa will be freely distributed to smallholder farmers.

What happens is that these giant seed corporates transfer the experience of South America to Africa. In South America the herbicide-resistant GM soya that was patented by Monsanto was surreptitiously encouraged.
When the soy industry became widespread, Monsanto started to claim royalties on all the soy grown, since it established the right to its intellectual property. Luckily the attempts in Brazil were overruled in the courts and Monsanto was ordered to refund billions of dollars to farmers.

It is practice such as this that prompted the online campaign run by Avaaz for a global petition aiming at exposing Monsanto's worldwide grip, cautioning that the mega-company is gradually taking over our global food supply, poisoning our politics and putting the planet's food future in serious danger.

The petition shows how Monsanto develops pesticides and genetically modified seeds, patents the seeds, prohibits farmers from replanting their seeds year to year, then sends undercover agents out to investigate and sue farmers who don't comply.
The firm spends millions lobbying US government officials, contributing to their political campaigns, then works with them to push Monsanto goods into markets across the world.

Monsanto is trampling small farmers and small businesses as vast 'monoculture' farms of single crops leech the land of nutrients, diminish genetic diversity, and create dependency on fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals.
'Monsanto's power in the US gives them a launch pad to dominate across the world. But brave farmers and activists from the EU, to Brazil, to India and Canada are resisting and starting to win,' Avaaz proclaims.

The online petition shows how farmers are lured into multi-year contracts, then seed prices rise, and they have to buy new seed each season and use more herbicides to keep out 'super weeds'. In India, the situation is so dire that one cotton area has been called 'the suicide belt', as tens of thousands of the poorest farmers have taken their lives to escape crippling debt.
It is not surprising, therefore, that, at the end of November 2012, Kenya banned the importation of genetically modified food on health grounds.

A stormy public 'debate' ensued. There were those on the side of 'modernity' and 'science', denouncing the lack of 'scientific evidence' among their opponents.

Such defence of GMO is not surprising. The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research provides USD $25 million annually to biotechnology research globally. At the same time bilateral aid agencies - especially from the United States - provide 60 per cent of research funding for biotechnology.

Private philanthropic foundations are also involved in funding the research. They include the Howard Buffet Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation. Multinational biotechnology companies, including Monsanto and Syngenta, also chip in.

In so doing they try to stymie the debate that is going on globally. However, they only succeed in extending the battle against GMO to Africa, where farmers are putting up a strong resistance to so-called modernity.
Source:Allafrica.com

Thursday, June 27, 2013

WATANZANIA WAISHIO MIKOANI WAPIGWA MARUFUKU KWENDA DAR WAKATI WA ZIARA YA RAIS OBAMA





Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje, Bernard Membe amewashauri watu walioko mikoani kusitisha safari za kuja Dar es Salaam wakati wa ziara ya Rais wa Marekani, Barrack Obama kutokana na wingi wa wageni katika jiji hilo.
Ugeni huo pamoja na ule wa viongozi kumi na moja kutoka nchi mbalimbali duniani watakaohudhuria mkutano wa kimataifa wa Smart Partnership utakaofunguliwa kesho na Rais Jakaya Kikwete kwenye Ukumbi wa Mikutano wa Kimataifa wa Julius Nyerere, umesababisha kuimarishwa kwa ulinzi katika maeneo mbalimbali hasa katika hoteli za kitalii ambazo zimeanza utaratibu wa upekuzi kwa wageni wake.

Akizungumza na katika mahojiano na Redio ya Clouds jana, Membe alisema jiji limefurika kwa wingi wa wageni.
 
“Hoteli na nyumba za wageni zimefurika wageni na magari mengi yamekodiwa. Kwa ujumla, huduma za kijamii zitakuwa shida,” alisema.
 
Rais Obama na mkewe Michelle watawasili nchini Jumatatu na tayari wapambe na maofisa usalama kutokana Marekani wameanza kuwasili. Mbali ya ujio huo, wake wa marais kutoka nchi 14 za Afrika watakaokutana na Laura Bush, mke wa Rais wa zamani wa Marekani, George Bush. Pia Michelle atahudhuria mkutano huo utakaofanyika Jumanne na Jumatano ijayo.


“Jiji la Dar es Salaam litakuwa na mambo mengi kwa hiyo wale wenye kuja kutaka kustarehe wafute safari zao,” alisema na kuongeza: “Kama kuna watu ambao hawapo Dar es Salaam na hawana sababu za kuja mjini waache tu mpaka wageni watakapoondoka kwa sababu jiji la litakuwa limejaa na baadhi ya barabara zitachukuliwa zitumike na wageni hao.”
 
Alisema katika kipindi cha siku tano zijazo, baadhi ya barabara za Jiji la Dar es Salaam zitakuwa na shughuli nyingi na nyingine zitalazimika kufungwa. Barabara itakayofungwa ni pamoja na ile ya Mwai Kibaki na ile ya Bagamoyo itakuwa na shughuli nyingi pia wakati Michelle atakapokwenda Jumba la Makumbusho, Jumanne ijayo.

Wasafiri wa mikoani
Wasafiri wa mikoani wataathirika zaidi Jumanne ijayo wakati Rais Obama atakapokwenda kutembelea mitambo ya kufua umeme ya Kampuni ya Symbion Ubungo.
 
Kituo hicho kipo Barabara ya Morogoro, ambayo ndiyo inayotumiwa na magari yanayoingia na kutoka mikoani.
Rais Obama atakwenda katika kituo hicho yapata saa 4.00 asubuhi na kwa kiasi kikubwa itaathiri magari ya usafirishaji wa mizigo na abiria yatakayokuwa yanatoka na kuingia Dar es Salaam kabla na wakati huo

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Ngoma Africa Band going From Strength To Strength

Ngoma Africa Band, a German based Tanzanian band is now one of the oldest and most successful Africans bands in Germany.

Many African bands in Europe hardly survive for more than a year. Yet Ngoma Africa Band, founded by Ebrahim Makunja aka Ras Makunja in 1993, is still growing stronger.
The band plays "Bongo Dance", which is a unique combination of traditional and modern Tanzanian rhythms with  Soukous and Rumba. All theirs songs are in Kiswahili.


Ngoma Africa Band has released several successful hits including “Mama Kimwaga” (Sugar Mummy), “Anti-Corruption Squad” and “Apache wacha Pombe” (Stop over drinking).

In 2010 Ngoma Africa Band released a single in praise of Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete. The song titled “Jakaya Kikwete 2010” praises Mr. Kikwete’s good leadership skills and commitment to fight corruption.
On 12th August 2012, Ngoma Africa Band received the International Diaspora Award (IDA) at the International African Festival Tubingen 2012, Germany, for their hard work in promoting East African music throughout Europe.


Ms. Susan Muyang Tatah, CEO of the International African Festival Tubingen 2012 said Ngoma Africa Band was also chosen for the Award because of their creative performance on stage. It’s difficult to resist dancing at their concerts, she said.

This year the band released a new CD titled "Bongo Tambarare" featuring "Supu ya Mawe" and "Uhuru wa Habari". The new release is already dominating air waves in Tanzania.

"Supu ya Mawe" advices the listeners to work hard and be patient while pursuing their objectives in life. It also appeals for generosity towards the needy.
"Uhuru wa Habari" praises African journalists who are bold enough to speak out the truth in environments where freedom of speech is quite limited.

Ngoma Africa Band is famous for staging thrilling shows in festivals in different parts of Europe. The band’s joyful female dancers, wearing traditional costumes and dancing vigorously to their tunes, always leave fans asking for more.

Ngoma Africa Band is composed of talented young musicians including soloist Christian Bakotessa aka Chris-B, Said Vuai, Matondo Benda, Jonathan Sousa, Aj Nbongo, Richard Makutima, Bedi Beraca "Bella" and Jessy
By  By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Meet the African German based Female Boxer Bintou Yawa Schmill also known as "The Voice

 African ladies are otherwise known for other things than Boxing, except for this one who is changing and making the story looks different.
Ms.Bintou Yawa Schmill, 28yrs young, a totally black African breed 1.71m, Togo born and based in Germany, started her boxing career at a tender age. Something she did as an Amature has become a success story. She wickedly punched competitors, messlessly and won 24 fights ,and 2 draw in the category welterweight -64Kg.
 
Her fingerprint show her since 2007, to have been a professional boxer with unbeatable record of 4 fights, 4wins in a package including 3 K. O
Her case study is exceptional, she has not only broken the gender rule, she’s representing the African continent in a Boxing ring , punching evil out the brains of her competitors, Bintou is the Lioness that roars and the Lions make a way. Now she´s back on stage, live and ready for a face2face catch, one on one.
 
Any brave hearted out there to sponsor and make a name with Bintou? Bintou needs you to make it happen… a man is a man because of another man –UBUNTU
 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

THE NGOMA AFRICA BAND



The Golden Voice of East Africa
Soulful Vocals,hypnotic guitars and driving
Rhythm of BONGO DANCE

It's the first African band to use is music as cross culture bridge from Tanzania in East Africa to the World! Ngoma Africa Band wich has been named The Golden Voice of East Africa is a fast-growing band with a huge fans base worldwide.Its's the first African band to use is music as cross culture bridge from Tanzania in East Africa to the World. Ngoma Africa Band, a Tanzanian band base in Germany,founded in the year 1993 by Ebrahim Makunja aka ras makunja,named several time is the best band in many festivals. This is beacuse of the way the band presents itself Live on stage.It penetrates the souls of the fans and automatically the audience became crazy!,especially when the band applies the EXTRA ORDINARY "Bongo Dansi" or "MZIKI WA DANSI" wich simple means danceable music from Tanzania.
The Fans found rhythm unique,you only can hear this beat when the Ngoma Africa band plays.Because of this reputitation of sends fans crazy with the beats and rhythm.
Ngoma Africa band have numbers of talented musician's including mult-talented soloist Christian Bakotessa aka Chris-B,other is
Said "Jazbo" Vuai,Mo Benda,Aj Nbongo,Jessy Ouyah,Diva Bedi Beraca aka Bedi Bella,Jonathan Souza "Jojo" and others
The spirit of the Ngoma Africa Band unites with the sprits and souls of the fans and other audience.
The Ngoma Africa Band have released the album "Mama Kimwaga"(sugar Mum),also numbers of Hit sigles CD,like Apache wacha Pombe(Stop over Drinking alcohol),Anti-Corruption Squard,Single CD "Jakaya Kikwete 2010".
Most of the songs are written in various east African languages.But majority in SWAHILI or KISWAHILI the spoken language in Tanzania and its neighbouring east African countries.
The Ngoma Africa Band bellong to the fans!Musician are just the servant'sIt's the first African band to use is music as cross culture bridge from Tanzania in East Africa to the World!
Listen songs at www.ngoma-africa.com and be connected at contact@ngoma-africa.com










                         Ngoma africa Live Alafia fest,Hamburg