At 95, Baba Nelson Mandela has peacefully passed away today, Thursday December 05 2013 after suffering from a lung infection. For me, He was a "champion of forgiveness"
He is an inspiration to many. Like many others, I am inspired with his humor, mostly with his quote about Education being the most powerful weapon that a person could use to change the world. May his legacy continue to dwell as his soul rests peacefully. We will forever love you Tata Madiba!
Below is a picture of the two great African heroes taken from ANC archives.
Did you know there are many social programs like AIDS series made in different African countries to create more awareness to the youths and society in general?
Well, if you did not see any AIDS series, be sure to search for LOVE GAMES from Zambia, MTV SHUGA Kenya for season 1 and 2 (I love the theme song-LOVE, SEX and MONEY). Then the most recent one, that just got displayed is MTV SHUGA Naija-Home coming :). Below is the first episode. Keep up with them on youtube :) Btw, there is also Siri ya Mtungi from Tanzania although it is mainly in Kiswahili but there is english subtitles one could keep up with while watching :)
If you did not know, ILO with the UN family launched a campaign last year called "Getting to Zero at work". Simply, this campaign is trying to eliminate Aids in terms of zero discrimination, through treatment, education and many other ways. How does it relate to work? well, the "likelihood of getting treatment equals to higher chances of getting employed" :)
Enjoy the video of the week as we are getting ready to celebrate World Aids Day.
Hey Dears,
Today i want us to look at how the status of women in the society has changed. Do you think theres still a long way to go for equality to happen?
Apparently, nowadays women are more educated, working less at home and they have fewer children. They say that there are even more women university-graduates than men.
Well, no one will be shocked when you say you are going for a six month maternity leave but say you are on maternity leave for SIX YEARS untill the child can attend school.mh!
Life keeps on changing. I hope women will stay be able to keep their traditional ways even if adapting to the modern world is crucial. As much as i believe on women equality but i would not want to hear a mother is spending longer working hours than socializing her family first. Family first.
Nice day xx
Zita
For the first i came close into witnessing a "real" strike like i mean an actual strike take place not like just hearing news about it from the media.
Thank goodness, there was no strike at U of M-University of Manitoba in October 22 2013. I still remember how much i wanted Monday midnight(Oct 21) to come quick, so that i know whether the two sides got into an agreement or not. At around 11pm, an email came in stating "There will be no strike.Classes continue".
I'll simply summarise the details of the strike. Our professors, members of the University of Manitoba Faculty Association(UMFA) wanted the University of Manitoba-admistration to provide their needs on certain issues in the renewal of the collective agreement. Those issues are as stated below:
-academic freedom
-perfomance management
-publications
-rights to comment on the University
The main issue was not money here. I think, thats why it was even harder to come up with an agreement to prevent a work stoppage. If it was money, then negotiations between the two sides would have resolved the whole issue without bringing in a third party. Thats my thinking....So, this bargaining had started in June 21 without reaching any agreement until Oct 21.
At first, the conciliation process did not succeed between the parties so a mediator had to be brought to continue the negotiation. Then, most issues were resolved and the rest were going to remain arbitrated so thats how a strike did not take place.
So my opinion about the whole strike issue....I was quite impressed with how the U of M admin. tried to avoid any interruptions to our learning by bringing in conciliation. Again, they had no choice but to try all means to stop a strike from happening. The only way was to come into an agreement by meeting the demands of UMFA. In addition, students were kept up to date about the process from day 1 which is also the best thing to do during a situation like this. Communication is key.
I was soo keen about the whole strike incident. I thought to myself "Yay! im gonna have a free mid-sem week off! Yes!" then at the same time i was like "I dont want any disruption to my academic year since im trying to make this my last undergrad year so please, let there be no strike". Imagine going through such confusing thoughts. Anyways so that was me a few weeks back.
November is here! school got even tougher, filled in with assignments, tests and quizes! not forgetting to attend lectures on a daily basis.
Its been a while since i posted a week update. Well, today's update is about music.
I love music. It doesn't matter what type of music so long as there is a beat and lyrics then im just fine.
Oh wait! maybe hard rock music is just not me but I wouldn't mind listening to soft rock. So, recently I have been listening to Diamond Platinumz songs from Tanzania. And his "Number 1" song linked back to my "Number 1 post title". My very first post in blogging. So i decided to bring it up for you my dears to watch. Number 1 video is soo catchy especially the "ngololo" dance.See it for yourself.
Artiste:Diamond Platnumz
Song:Number 1
Audio:Wasafi Classics
Video:Ogopa Deejays
(Whispers) Wasafi Records
Kwanza mapenzi safari….Ujana ni
Maji ya Moto….Walinenaga zamani….
Pili tumetoka mbali kwa matatizo
Changamoto tuvisa visa fulani……
Oooh tatu kidonda chako kwangu
maradhii
Moyoni usononekapo kwangu
simanziii x2
Kwa mahaba Ulionipa nimenogewa
Vurugu patashika ahh punguza
kidogoo!!
Na mengine kadhalikaa mtoto
si unanielewaa!!
Apo apo uliposhika ukiongeza
kidogooo!!mmmh mwenzako ntaumiaa!!
You are my Number 1
My sweety sweety Number 1
My baby oooh you are my number 1
My Darling ,my Number 1
oooh Roho yangu mama,my Number 1 x2
Na nina wivu sikatai maana uchungu wa mapenzi naujuaaa!!
so usije kunilaghai ukaacha kuzama ukanizingua
Na nina wivu sikatai maana uchungu wa mapenzi naujua!!!
so usije kunilaghai mwenizio
naogopaaaa!!
Now show me how they do gololoooo aah golloolo aah gololosa
Oooh baby show me how you do gololo……………………
My sweety sweety my number1 my baby ooh you are my number 1,ooh darling you are my number 1,ooooh roho yangu mamaaa!! x2
Ahhh oooooh…….ooooh baby
you are,oooh baby your are
Now show me how they do ngololo ahh ngololoo ach ngololosa Aghhhha aikoloo
So picture yourself in this scenario as the employee....You ask for permission to leave to attend your grandmothers funeral then the next day you return at work and you get greeted by this;
Employer: "Do you believe in life after death?" Employee: "Yes sir/madam."
Employer: "Well then, that makes everything just fine....after you left early yesterday to go to your grandmother's funeral, she stopped in to see you." Employee:_________________________
Hahahaa! Caught red handed!right there on spot!
Uwiiiiii so, if you were the employee,what would you have done?
Hey dears,
Happy International Day of the girl. October 11th is marked by the UN as the international day of the girl. It is a honour to have a day set to create more awareness on girl issues. Even if the day on its own does not play a huge impact as the function of the day. I take this time to share my views on this day as a contributor in social networks/bloggers.
As sexism is huge in our society and at most times, it is girls who get oppressed in so many ways. For instance at work, there is always that managerial stage where a woman stops at. You hardly find top directors leading positions held by women. Again, in schools you are more likely to find primary or nursery teachers as women than men. Thank goodness that all these differences and many other that exist in our society are now changing as time goes by. Women are now more recognised than in the past. Certain top positions are being held by women. For instance, the Malawian president-Joyce Banda :). This is soo inspiring!
I was listening to my president's- (Mh. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete) speech for the end of October and he mentioned about gender equality in secondary schools. He said that the most part to achieve gender equality has been achieved that more girls now go to primary and secondary schools. However, what is get to be achieved is girls in upper level education which is attending university. There are only 68% of girls in higher level. He also mentioned that, in the Tanzanian parliament, the 50/50 partcipation of women is yet to be achieved. And he said that, "its a challenge to achieve this goal by 2015." Despite that, i was so impressed to listen to him talk about how girls are being more appreciated in the society nowadays by trying to ensure gender equality is being implemented in the society by all means. Well, I must say, Im humbled to be a girl and to be able to encourage more other girls to stand up for their rights.
Dear reader, I hope you are able to join the cause in celebrating and ensuring girls get the same rights as boys, on this International Day of the girl.
My dear readers,
I hope y'all are keeping up well. Can you imagine its been a year already? Zita has been blogging for a year now :) Yay! There might be spaces in between the posts but definetly i try to stay up to date and write as often as i can.
Oh well, cheers to many more years of October 11 which marks a plus one for my blogging years. Thank you for time my dear reader. My audience is actually international! Sometimes i would wonder "there is a reader from this country?"... wow quite impressive :) thanks again.
I also hope you are gaining one or two out of my ramblings. I do this because i like sharing what i think about my course and why i chose it. As they say, "knowledge is the fuel of actions". Again, so many things are happening around at the same with school so i get to share that too. Nevertheless, the bigger picture here is EDUCATION! my mom always said, education will give you unlimited opportunities. Education is the best gift which i believe so too. Thus, alongside education, there comes work and society.
Thank you for sticking around for the year long and for all the reading support. Keep reading xx
Hope y'll are having a "right" week. Well, today's topic was inspired by my one and only young sister Antoinetta. She is only seven years old and she tells me that she wants to be a air-hostess when she's "big". Then again she will say she wants to be a receptionist like me. I once worked as a receptionist that's why. Anyways, no body knows what lies ahead.
So, back to me, I decided to look up a few airline uniforms mainly looking at flight attendants. Some of the Airlines, I traveled with but others i'm yet to. I also kept down the link below the image on where i got the pictures. I was only keen on the picture without reading the whole story. I just skimmed through and right clicked "save as...". The topics were interesting.
Click on the link below the picture for more details to read on your own :)
Aside doing the major courses to acquire a degree, one also has to take electives/fillers. So, im doing "Introduction to World religions" as one of my electives. So far, i find it quite interesting. Religion in University is not about addressing questions of truths claim. Basically what you learn is what different people believe and Religion as a human phenomenon.
So with Buddhism, I love the idea of "Four Noble Truths". Basically, these are core insights for Buddhists.
I love love the fourth Noble Truth and im going to tell you what it entitles. So, i'll begin by listing the four noble truths;
Life is suffering( Dukha)
Thirst/Desire
End of suffering
Noble 8-fold path (my favorite)
Under each noble truth there is an explanation for it and i wont start rambling because i wont finish once i start. So instead, i will dig deep on my favorite noble truth which includes a list of ways to live. Imagine living with a ;
Right View
Right Intention
Right speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration
My dears, imagine living in a society that has only "rights" no "wrongs".....do you think it is possible?
Well, i think it is impossible. Even with 100% commitment. It is very difficult to have such a society in existence. I also think if we only had the "rights" without the "wrongs", we would not actually be able to tell if something is "right". Comparison comes in two ways and one has to be different to be compared that's the whole point. However, i would NEVER EVER be pleased with a deviant society. So i highly recommend trying to live by the above mentioned rules and this will help you view life in a positive way.
Today Sept 21st is set by the United Nations as the "International World Peace Day". A day without violence and war. This years focus is on peace education in other words the "culture of peace".
Well, waking up to some sad news isn't a nice way to start celebrating such a day. The Westgate mall in Kenya under attack causing several injuries to many and deaths too. This is not how i would picture World Peace Day. soo sad!!! Praying for the families that have lost their loved ones. its tough to absorb such pain. God be with y'all.
However, today was also the same day that the event Miss Tanzania 2013 took place in Dar es Salaam. Happiness Watimanywa was crowned Redds Miss Tanzania 2013. So, im gonna tell you a bit about Happy. First, congrats Happy! with no shadow of doubt or any second thoughts, you deserve the title. Happy is only 19years old but talk about a go-getter!!!! shes the typical definition. She has the confidence, talented and all. Well, you must be wondering its all positive positive.... well yeah i knew Happy from school. She was a class below me. Plus, she was also in the SCIS student council which by then i happened to be the chairperson-2010. I tell you, Happy questioned everything and she is the one who challenged the council the most. So with her kind of attitude, i believe life has unlimited opportunities for her. I wish her nothing but success. Before the title of Miss Tanzania, Happy first won Miss Dodoma 2013 then Miss Karne ya Katito Miss photogenic 2013. She will be representing Miss World as Miss World Tanzania next year and if she gets the crown then yeaaaaah this girl will top the world once again. This time not in academics but "Top in the World for Beauty!" Congrats sana tena sana Happy for being Miss Tanzania 2013, keep on inspiring!
This picture was taken way way back in 2010. It was taken for the student council board at St Constantine's International School and Happiness Watimanywa aka Miss Tanzania 2013 was a member.
From Top left: Nancy, Qudsiya, Mariama,Nabeel,Happy,Mirfat,Joso and Kevin.
Below left: Jessica (SCIS 2010 Headgirl) and I(student council chairperson 2010)
So yeah my dear readers, today's post is just part of acquiring that degree.
It has nothing to do with Labour Relations & Management.Oh wait! maybe the leadership part :)
"Labour FactFile" will be another category in MonLabourWorld. I will feature different facts, quotes, jokes etc from ILO and other Labour-related organisations.
According to International Labour Organisation, it is estimated "some 2 million people die every year from work-related accidents and diseases, 160 million people suffer from work-related diseases and 4% of the World's annual GDP is lost as a consequence of occupational diseases and accidents". This shows how serious Occupational Health & Safety should be taken keenly at the workplace.
Today, I thought I should share my critics in the way working people dress. Well, it may seem too obvious that a person has to dress appropriate at all times. However, sometimes you would be amazed with what people wear at work. Some writings or images or graffiti on t shirts/shirts might be insulting should never be allowed which is my first point here. Then again the level of covering upthe "goodies" is another issue.
Well, this is what i think for a typical male and female going to work. googleimages
Yes! im still very traditional i guess :)
And also those with tattoos should cover them while at work. Its a free world yes but i just think thats the way a workplace should be! this is my opinion and you are not subjected to agree with me neither am i subjected to your opinion.
I've always known First of May as Labour day. Well its because in Tanzania we celebrate Labour day on "May Day"/International Labour Day. So today is just like any other working day for Tanzanians but not for Americans and Canadians.
And since for the past two years Canada and the States have been my second home, I would like to take time to wish a Happy Labor day to all those working people out there who spend 40hours a week to labour or even more working hours.
May you enjoy this free day off and remember to appreciate the efforts of those who gave you the right to enjoy a day off by making this day a public holiday!
I'm sure some of you have had this doubt of whether it is Labour or Labor? As a matter of fact, either word is correct it means the same thing. There is no difference in meaning when you write Labour or labor.
Labor is American English and Labour is used by the rest of the world in Canada, the UK, Australia etc including their colonies.So, since Tanzania was among the British colonies, I grew up using "Labour" as the correct form. As for now, i use both ways i really don't mind using Labor though it still feels weird spelling Labour as Labor, it feels like I misspelled the word.
Well, one of my profs mentioned that it is necessary to note the difference. For instance, if i mention i finished my "Honours" degree instead of "Honors" degree it might not bring a good image of respecting the American culture. So, beware in your CV's, if you are writing to a Canadian company make sure to use "Honours" and not "Honors".
Well dears, i want to know from you, Which one do you use? Labour or Labor? Honour or Honor?
Todays post was inspired by most of my friends graduating this year.
I woke up every early ( jetlag issues) then as i was wondering in bed, i came to think about taking LinkedIn serious. I love facebook because i get to keep in touch in my friends over seas. I also love twitter for breaking news and just reading tweets. However, my love for LinkedIn beats it all. LinkedIn is professional and yet entertaining. i spent a few hours reading a few articles in Linkedin and thats when i decided im totally gonna put an eye on it.
So my dears lets connect on Linkedin and be professional who knows what opportunities might arise from it.
So this time, one of my summer courses is Pensions & Benefits (LABR3140) taught by Karen Naylor. It is quite interesting to learn about Pensions. I know most people hardly know anything about Pensions beside them being deducted off their pay check. Well, its important to get some knowledge on them. One should know the kind of pensions he or she is eligible to...is it a defined benefit or contributory? A defined benefit pension is the one which an employer promises to give you a certain amount of money after you retire- Usually every month. There are terms and conditions that come with this...for instance, how many years you have worked with the employer?...It usually depends how the amount of money will be calculated. Again, there are ways to calculate it like by taking:
the accural rate x salary/earnings x pensionable service
for instance 3% x 60,000 x 30yrs
The common used way of calculating pension benefit also known as the "gold plate" where the calculation will be based on your best working years for instance the highest period within the ten years so your last five years. It depends. I'm just giving examples. Or the other method of pensions benefit plan is by unknown earnings where it will depend.
The other type of pensions is called defined contribution pension. As it says, "contribution" so both the employee and employer do have to put in a certain amount of money into the plan. It will be difficult to have an actual figure on how much pension will be given back once an employee retires. So the actuaries become useful here, they help in assuming how much will be given back based on the life expectancy and the investment returns from the funds.
So my dears, don't just let that money go off the pay check without knowing whats going on...its good to find out & understand how things are running. I'm always happy with a clear mind. Besides, Its your right to acquire knowledge about anything based on given opportunities... You have a Right to know, Right to Participate and Right to Refuse. There you go...Be sure to find out what type of pension plan you are in? In the first place, Does your workplace have pensions plan?
Its a been a minute...I'm sure y'all missed my ramblings :) Im back.. be happy!
We all know sometimes life gets too catchy....but anyways, Thank God for the breath of life.So as for today, i'll share some of my friends' outfits that grabbed my attention for the"Trends in the workplace" category.
My generation is now getting ready for the workplace.Most of my friends will be graduating this year from university and others next year. Well, some have been employed already...some are self employed & others are yet to be employed but they are getting there soon enough. After saying that, i really think this category will lighten up their dress codes at work.
Heh! My dears, who said the workplace can not be a stylish place?????
You actually have to look fabolous at work at all times because thats where you spend most of the time. Imagine looking "ewww" for a 40 hour week...as in 8hours a day, five days a week, thats a typical working week for many people.
So yeah, looking fab pays in many ways...First of all, you feel confident. You feel good when u dress bien.So that self fulfillment and satisfaction is already a good feeling and motivation for you to work better.
None the less, some workplaces have uniforms. But still that doesnt stop you from looking fab! Anyways, so since its all about the workplace, I am introducing to u, my dears, a category called
"Trends in the workplace"
This will feature different trends in the working industry. Not necessarily based on seasons(spring,summer,autumn and winter) or the "up-to-date fashion". It will include a mix of old styles, cultures, gender etc. I will display pictures of "my taste" of a typical working girl or boy or both...if u have ideas feel free to share them too.
Photo Credits to Krisztinawilliams.. Get more from http://www.krisztinawilliams.com/2013/03/style-guide-2-ways-to-wear-modern.html
I'll start with myself. I worked at Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha Tanzania.
The Masai print (Culture) was once the uniform at the restaurant.
When it comes to the issue of social networks.....I Shake My Head!
There is facebook for everything, Twitter for tweets and more of current issues alert, Instagram for uploading pictures only, then Keek for 36 seconds videos and now even for 6 seconds video( I forgot the name). well, there are just too many social programs, the ones i mentioned are just a few common ones. Oh well, then dont forget Whatsupp Viber Ebuddy Bbm and other mobile chatting programs.
All these programs help us to stay connected. So even no, as i am blogging, all these Blogs help us to connect...making uniting possible.
However, at the workplace, the use of social networks is strictly prohibited unless during break times and in the exception of certain company's policies. Its even worse when an employee is using the company's asset. In most cases employers premises are monitered. So when u dare facebook or tweet, it directly sends signals to the employer. Therefore to be on the safe side, just avoid social networks at the workplace.
Its been almost a month,less four days, since i received my copy of the book "Labour and poverty in rural Tanzania-Ujamaa and rural development in the United Republic of Tanzania". Good news is, i did not have to buy it nor did i get it from Paul Collier. Guess who give it to me?
Oh well, i got it as a present from someone soo dear to me. A very important person in my life. I actually got it as a suprise. I did not know it was the book i wanted for so long...because i had given up on it and other stuff kept on piling up, so actually, i literally forgot about it. Then THERE! JUST LIKE THAT! i got it...Anyways, so im gonna read it, understand it and share it with y'all!
God bless you all and most importantly to the person who gave me the book! I Love youuuu!
Waiting to hear all about the book huh? Okay till then xxx
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