International Students Protest

Hi dears,

Yes its been a very long time writing. Things pile up then you just keep on procrastinating like "okay, i will post something later on today" then later on today becomes tomorrow morning then the evening comes and you are like on the weekend, then on the weekend and so on...Regardless, here i am! I said no to Procrastination lol.

So today, after my HRIR3450 class, (Yes, I still have two more classes to clear...so right now, im doing my final courses....i'm taking this course mentioned at the start of the paragraph and HRIR2440). So, as i was walking to the university center to grab something to eat, i saw a group of students standing in between the engineering faculty and University center. I was unaware of what was going on but their t-shirts and some were holding posts that read "SAY NO TO DISCRIMINATION". Okay, i was a bit puzzled like whats going on? I was able to ask one of the girl amongst the group who explained to me that "they were against the admission policies for international students who want to enter engineering  faculty. Reason being, The admission procedures were unfair in the sense that, canadian citizens and permanent residents have a way lower GPA entrance as compared to international students." It was mostly a concern of the GPA but at the same time, there are other minor concerns like for instance high tuition fees which is totally understandable in the sense that all international students across Canada and elsewhere pay way too much sometimes triple or double. UofM charges less than other unis but still its expensive. Anyways, so todays protest was mainly about the entrance policies not being fair.

I went further to investigate the claim by having a look at the UofM website which had the admission policies. This is totally true to what they were fighting for. Have a look at the link: http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/engineering/undergraduate_studies/1773.html

This is just a brief preview from the link on what it says. 

2014-2015
PROGRAM	CAPACITY	OFFERS**	AGPA (Domestic)	AGPA (International)
Biosystems	36	45	2.75	3.81
Civil	70	70	2.94	4.13
Computer	120***	33	2.81	3.88
Electrical	120***	90	2.94	3.94
Mechanical	120	120	3.06	4.13

** International students make up 13.69% of total offers for this year.

2013-2014 (no distinction between domestic and international students)

PROGRAM	CAPACITY	AGPA
Biosystems	36	2.81
Civil	60	3.44
Electrical & Computer	120***	2.88
Mechanical	120	3.25

Oh dear! I totally understand what engineering students are feeling in the sense that, these students are in the same class together, doing the same course, same professor, same exam setting etc then why not have the same outcome??? Its really painful and it hurts to see such! Why is there a difference from last year???? Why is there a distinction this year? Yet alone only 13.69%???? atleast they would have made it 20% Eh!

Well, I understand engineering faculty is sooooo hard to get in and very competitive but Mh! this I don't understand!!! Okay, lets say its based on the number of applicants(capacity) and overall performance so there is a curve and the curve changes right?. Okay, so as for this is year, it is done!It is what it is! As for the future, I really hope international students wont have to go through such policies, honestly speaking, im not saying that i want international students not to reach their high expectation and not to perform very well, but the gap in between is just too huge. I hope they will find a way to reduce it or atleast equalise it.

Furthermore, again like previously, in my post about the strike that almost happened, proper communication would have reduced this. There should be a clear explanation on why there is a distinction and how they determine it. Such openness is what would avoid future protests cause then students are aware of the policies thus no need of protests cause they either take it or leave it! Let there be an  improved communication.

Aside school affairs, news trending in our society today, Nigerian school girls are still missing, so is the Malaysian Airline, Just today, another Malaysian airline was shot down in Ukraine apparently by a missile. Yet alone,  What is happening in Gaza. God please take control. Life is unfair, yes, the world is a cold place, yes,  but this is just getting too much. The world is a brutal and mysterious place to live in. 

Aside theses major events, I am almost done with my bachelors.

 I wish my muslim friends "Ramadhan Kareem" 

Keep reading,
Zita xx

Unpaid Internship

Hey Dears,

As I mentioned briefly on my previous posts that i was doing a work placement at Canada Post. 

So I will talk about this placement today. 

Basically, I was fortunate to be part of the placement program. Usually, the Labour studies Department under the Faculty of Arts, offers an opportunity to participate in this program once in every two years. So this is what happens, the co-coordinators place you at a workplace and you have to learn from that workplace while reporting daily to your professor. I find this course a learning experiencing with real life applications. You also have to write a research paper on the project you choose to work on. The course is called LABR4510 and LABR4520. The course also includes a seminar class where you discuss all your coursework and guide you in your writing skills. You do not get paid however you do get credit hours for it.

So, I was placed in a crown corporation-Canada Post. For my fall semester, I worked with Occupational Health and Safety Department where I job shadowed the supervisors. I conducted workplace inspections, daily management meetings, observing how employees do their tasks and whether they apply safety measures and so many other duties that you could think of a safety officer would perform. I was lucky to have seen how safety officers work both outside the plant and inside the plant. At the end of the term placement,  i worked on a safety campaign project on how to deal with stress at the workplace. My project was titled "wellness from stress". In addition, I also had to come up on a safety action plan.

As for the winter semester, I am working with the Labour Relations Officers (LRO) . I worked with Anitha who introduced me to the grievance system, John Sharpe who introduced me into LRO duties, John Dawson and I went deeper into analyzing grievances and I having a review on them then Hannah and I worked mainly on the arbitration process,from the start to the end. Well, it was good and bad that an arbitration hearing was cancelled because we resolved all the files. 

Last week, I just presented my project on "Duty to accommodate on the basis of family status". I'm hoping to attend an arbitration hearing on March 14th if the hearing goes through. 

Overall, I think this work placement is what makes my program unique and special. The fact that Labour studies has this kind of program is a plus plus for a university student like me who is just at the university to get an education and enter the job market and "maybe" go further to specialize. Otherwise, I would recommend this program to anyone so long as they know what they will do with it. You can branch into Law school after or go on with the Human resource side. With me? I don't know what is laying ahead but all i know for now is that i'll be done this year and enter the world of work.

Jobs

Hey Dears,

Today's post will feature some Labour Related jobs.
I am sure most people do not know what you could do with a Labour Studies degree.Well, at the end of the day, with a LS/LR degree, your knowledge will be around these issues: (judging from the courses you take)

-The Canadian Labour movement

-Working for a Living

-Political economy of Labour

-Employees, Employers and the State

-Labour Law

-Employment Law

-Workplace Health and Safety

-Pensions & Benefits

-Worker's self management

-Globalization and Labour

-Negotiations and Bargaining

-Working class and Labour history

-The skills and knowledge from the field placement.

Here are some jobs you could utilise: Be it in a Gov't position, NGO, private businesses, Union...

-Worker Advocate

-Employment Standard Officer

-Health and Safety Officer

-Human Rights Investigator

-Human Resource Manager

-Labour Relations Board Officer

-Workers Compensation Board caseworker

-Worker Advisor

-Legislative Assistant

-Policy Researcher

-Union Representative

-Union organizer

-Labour Lawyer

PS: My University,-UofM- helps students to attend Mel Myers Labour conference each year. This is a way of networking. You never who you meet and what the person can do for you. Well, I attended last year's Mel Myers Labour conference which had over 350 people. I'm also fortunate to be attending this years conference on March 20 and 21st at Victoria Inn. I am looking forward to interact with like minded people!

World AIDS Day

Hey Dears,

Today is World AIDS day. Do you know your status?

Whats your contribution on this matter?

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 :)

Stay protected xx

Getting to zero at work

Hey Dears,

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.

Video credits: ILOTV

What would you do?

Hey dears,

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?

International Day of the girl

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.

Trends in the workplace

Hey Dears,

Taken from: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileageplus-consolidated/1369190-new-united-flight-attendant-uniforms-here-7.html

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 :)

In no particular order,

AIR CANADA

taken from http://o.canada.com/2013/05/27/air-canada-rouge-uniforms/

DELTA

Taken from: http://thepointsguy.com/2012/08/travel-tuesday-top-10-fashion-forward-flight-attendant-uniforms/

UNITED AIRLINE

Taken from: http://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2013/06/25/united-rolls-out-new-uniforms-for-attendants-others/2455651/

DELTA

taken from: http://www.consumertraveler.com/today/delta-flight-attendant-uniforms-over-the-years/

LUFTHANSA

Taken from: http://www.departures.com/slideshows/high-style-flight-attendant-uniforms/5

AIR TANZANIA

Taken from: http://www.tanzany.com/tag/air-tanzania/

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINE

Taken from: http://nazret.com/blog/index.php/2010/12/28/ethiopian-airline-s-cabin-crew-ground-technicians-complain-of-being-overworked-underpaid

VIRGIN AMERICA

Taken from: http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=Blog:7a78f54e-b3dd-4fa6-ae6e-dff2ffd7bdbb&plckPostId=Blog%3A7a78f54e-b3dd-4fa6-ae6e-dff2ffd7bdbbPost%3A15657879-7319-4928-9910-8e4da60cbe26

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

taken from: http://thepointsguy.com/2012/08/travel-tuesday-top-10-fashion-forward-flight-attendant-uniforms/

PRECISION AIRWAYS

Taken from: http://precisionairnews.blogspot.ca/

KOREAN AIR

Taken from: http://thepointsguy.com/2012/08/travel-tuesday-top-10-fashion-forward-flight-attendant-uniforms/

KLM

taken from: http://thepointsguy.com/2012/08/travel-tuesday-top-10-fashion-forward-flight-attendant-uniforms/

KENYA AIRWAYS

Taken from: http://worldscrews.blogspot.ca/2012_03_01_archive.html

WESTJET

Taken from: http://worldscrews.blogspot.ca/2012_03_01_archive.html

QATAR AIR

Taken from: http://worldscrews.blogspot.ca/2012_03_01_archive.html

EMIRATES 

Taken from: http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/aircraft-pictures/2009/07/for-uniforms-emirates-distance/

I could go on and on...the list is endless. These are my picks. Hope you liked them xx

Four Noble Truths

Hey Dears,

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 ;

1. Right View
2. Right Intention
3. Right speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. 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.

Have a "right" week! xx

Labour Factfile

 Today's thought by Sam Goldwyn,

"I don't want any yes-men around me. I want everybody to tell me the truth even if it costs them their jobs."

Mmmhhh would you? Are you one of them who isn't afraid to speak nothing but the truth to your boss???















Till then xx

International World Peace Day

My dear readers,

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 Kati to 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 :)

Till then xx

Laugh Out Loud

Hey Dears,

Happy Saturday! Enjoy the first MonLabourWorld joke!

 If a train station is where the train stops and,

a bus station is where the bus stops, 

what is a work station?

Till then xx

Trends in the workplace

Hey Dears,

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 up the "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.

 googleimages

Happy new week! Enjoy xxx

Is it Labour or Labor?

Hey Dears,

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?

Till then, xx

Linkedin Vs Facebook

My dear readers

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.

Have a good day!

                                  

Bullying

Hey dears,

Did u know bullying, violence and harassment happens at the workplace too?

Have u ever felt bullied while working?

Today, i'll write about bullying. 

Actually, instead of writing....i'll share my notes with you since they are straight forward and worth knowing.

There are different types of bullying as illustrated below:

The Constant Critic

Dear Managers please be sure to differentiate between good management vs Bullying.

I hope you have become a step wiser by adding more knowledge on bullying at the workplace xxx

Social Networks

Hey dears,

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.

That's all. Till then, xxx

Labour & Poverty in Rural Tanzania

Hey dears,

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

I'm doing my exams now so not anytime soon dears.

Nyota Yako

Yeah Dears, im on a roll with posts today. Lol! Anyways, all about Tanzania!!! 

So another adorable & inspiring lady is Nancy Sumari. She recently launched her own book called 

" Nyota Yako" which basically means "your star" isnt that inspiring? just the title of the book itself brings in some positive and motivational force in you.

 Anyways, so i thought i should share the news with you.

All of these activities are involved with how much you want something...the passion..the effort and most of all the faith you have to achieve it. So yeah, be a change people! Be good and be an inspiration to the next generation.

Pictures source: google image but ofcourse www.mamazuri.com is the real source

Nancy explains about "Nyota Yako"

Video credits: Shamim Mwasha

Nothing to do in relation to the Labour World- this is part of the rollercoaster in achieving the labour degree! xxx

ShuleDirect

Hey Dears,

Recently, as i was browsing on Haki Ngowi's web, i saw a post on april 10th 2013 on "ShuleDirect". 

So this is how i came across these interesting news on the launch of "shuledirect" in Tanzania. 

The "ShuleDirect" program is aimed to improve the education for secondary students in both private and public schools. www.shuledirect.co.tz is an interactive portal where secondary students can log in and have a 101 session with getting help from teachers. In addition, students can also do quizzes and submit them. 

I'm happy to hear any secondary student can access this student portal free of charge.

However, i have a concern on the outreach of this program, the accessibility to those studying in public schools especially in the rural areas where there have limited resources. If it means all secondary government schools should all have internet access for the program to work effectively then that should be in place. 

The ShuleDirect project is a good investment and i would not want to see a waste of such good effort put together by Faraja Kotta Nyalandu and others. i am concerned on public schools since the majority of secondary students in Tanzania go to government schools directly after primary school. I wish i found statistics to support my point view however there isnt any from recent data in the internet. so take it from me just like this..speaking as a Tanzanian that's the truth. In the exception of those who can afford private secondary schools in which i aint much concerned because the majority of these schools are stable to offer ShuleDirect program to their students. None the less, it means parents should push on this program so that their children can get more familiar to the program. When a child is idle then he or she can log onto shuledirect and solve a few questions :)

Anyways, that being said. i would like to say a big hongera to Faraja Kotta Nyalandu, the founder of shuledirect. Indeed she is inspiring.

pictures source: Haki Ngowi.
video: youtube put by Shamim Mwasha

Now Listen & Watch Faraja Kotta Nyalandu as she explains about ShuleDirect

Proud to see Tanzania rising! polepole tu, solutions to last years perfomance in final exams for secondary students zitapatikana tu!