January 2015

January 2015FREEIssue 24

Active Change Foundation’s Monthly Magazine

Building Resilient Communities through Leadership

Leading A Team Without A Clue

Global Citizen

- - -

Remain Calm Oh Believer!

Being A Muslim In The UKManaging Your Stress

www.activechangefoundation.orgNewGen January 20152

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An electronic copy of this magazine can be found on our website.

• Chief Excecutive Hanif Qadir: [email protected] • Chief Editor Fatima Lahnait: [email protected]

• Guest Editor: Alice Roder

• Writers: Maxwell Adjei, Safraz Ali, Balgees Barendilla, Farzan Mohammed Faizal, Abdul-Ghaffar Mahdi, Alice Roder, Mowlana Said, Sairah Salim, Biranavan Sukumaran

• Head of Communication and Media Shafiul Islam:

[email protected]

• Pictures: Outreach Team

• Graphic Designer: FOZ Designs, [email protected]

The New Gen Magazine is printed in Great Britain for the Active Change Foundation, by FOZ Designs. All rights of translation and reproduction reserved. All articles and images in this magazine are under the exclusive copyright of the Active Change Foundation.

Dear Readers,

Here at the Active Change Foundation we are proud to publish yet another issue of NewGen. Given the horrific events in Paris and Nigeria, the world calls for a new generation of leaders and role models, ready to assert the balance between rights and respect in societies suffering at the hand of prejudice. Here at ACF we have been working tirelessly to prove our youth a worthy investment for a better future; we dream of a day when voices of reason will operate peace, stability, and open expression.

This issue of NewGen speaks out to the young leaders of that future, exhibiting a range of interesting articles on the theme of leadership from our talented writers. Flick through this issue to find out more about Coltan, alongside an idea of what it’s like to do work experience with us here at ACF. Look out for our youth of the month and read about the perspective of being a Muslim in the UK.

Despite the harrowing news stories that inspire fear within us all, we hope to stand strong with our diversity and believe our writers are just a few examples of an inspiring new generation.

Alice

Events At ACF

Remain Calm Oh Believer!

Community Voice: Being A Muslim In The UK

Building Resilient Communities through Leadership


My Work Experience At ACF

Ladies Initiative: Women Coffee Morning

Business of the Month

Health and Well-Being: Managing Your Stress

Youth of the MonthOn The Ball

Coffee Break

Global Citizen

CONTENTS

5. 6. 8.

11. 12. 14.

15. 16. 18.

19. 20. 21.

22.


Amma Ba’d:

After the recent atrocities that we have all witnessed in France, the believer may be receiving mixed and confusing messages.

We hear condemnation of the acts of the extreme, and upon this we all agree, yet we see the manifestation of what will undoubtedly be considered incitement of the extreme natures of these criminals.

The believer is called to mutual respect and tolerance yet doesn’t feel respected.

We are told ‘we know it is just a warped minority’ and yet we see what (almost) every believer would consider dishonour and disrespect of what he or she considers his very essence, as opposed to ridiculing the culprits alone as it is claimed.

To the extent the believer feels various peer pressures upon him to denounce or at least feel apologetic for the core fundamentals of his belief and creed, from that revering the prophet Muhammad Peace and blessings be upon him.

It is sad that the Muslim is now made to feel pathetic, extreme and unintelligent if he or she doesn’t happily accept that the most beloved person to them in this world, the prophet of Allah and the source of their belief, joy and tranquillity is portrayed as an ugly, decrepit, feeble, psychotic looking individual usually involved in some act of perversion. Surely community cohesion revolves around our consideration of the sensitivities of others whether we agree with and understand those sensitivities or not. Does our freedom of speech have no boundaries? Is there no stage in which we feel that at least morally and ethically we need to have a sense of responsibility especially when our actions may threaten public security? When we have pockets of ignorant khawaarij ready to spill blood?

So even though we see others apparently showing us disrespect, we do not meet like with like. We have the beautiful example of our noble Messenger Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alaihi was Salam in being patient upon mockery and ridicule during his lifetime to follow. Not to mention the many verses wherein Allah consoles his Prophet in relation to the ridicule he received.

We therefore call to calm and to manifest noble character and to reflect upon Allah’s verses. And know that though we may feel offended, we do not become vigilantes rather we remain calm in that knowledge that Allah is sufficient for him!

The statement of Allah: “Indeed we shall suffice you against those who scoff ” {Suratul Hijr Vs 95}.

Imaam ibn Katheer mentions concerning the verse:

“Carry out what you have been commanded...” {Suratul Hijr Vs 94} (Ibn Katheer states) that is carry out what you have been commanded (i.e. to convey the revelation), “..and turn away from the pagans, we will suffice you against those who mock you” {Suratul Hijr Vs 95}(Ibn Katheer states:) “That is, convey that which your lord has given you and pay no attention to the pagans, those who seek to block you from the signs of Allah (as Allah says :) “They wish that you would compromise with them, so they will compromise with you” {Suratul Qalam Vs 9} that is, do not fear them, for indeed Allah will suffice you in relation to them and protect you from them.

As Allah has stated: “Oh Messenger convey that which was revealed to you from your lord and if you do not do so then you have not conveyed his message and Allah will protect you from the people” {Maa’idah Vs 67}.

Allah mentions: “Indeed we know that your chest is straitened by what they say, so glorify the praise of your lord and be from those who prostrate, and worship your lord until certainty comes to you” {Suratul Hijr Vs 97-99}.

Remain Calm Oh Believer!By Abu Hakeem SP


It’s an awkward time being a British Muslim at the moment. Well, when isn’t it? The current situation and state show all signs pointing to us as if we are each to blame for the actions of other human beings - yes human beings - not Muslims because none of the Muslims I know condone such atrocious actions. For the record, I am 100% completely against the murder of innocent HUMAN BEINGS recently in Paris, Australia, and Canada in the ‘so called’ name of Islam. Though I will not apologise, nor do I feel any need to, Mr Murdoch. These people are terrorists, extremists and outright lunatics, but they are not Muslims.

Multiculturalism is a blessing. Recently I’ve had to un-friend a lot of people on Facebook just because of the hatred that was spewing out of their mouths. Did they forget that I too am a Muslim? No, I would not like every women to wear the hijaab. No, I would not like the call to prayer to be blasted throughout the street. No, I would not like every piece of chicken served to be halal. No, I would not like to ban bacon, alcohol, and whatever gets you off. No, I will not leave the country I was born in to ”go back home”, ironic right? No one wants to inflict Shariah Law. I’m probably one of the most liberal Muslims you will ever come across, I see both the good and the bad within the religion. However, I am completely sure of one thing: do not blame the religion, blame the people.

Some Muslims spew hatred, they believe in outdated views and want everyone to act a certain way, in a certain light. None of these people will stop me from putting on my headphones and doing whatever I am free to do. There is a minority here, if the Muslims really were extremists do you really think that 1.6bn odd people wouldn’t have conquered the world by now? I don’t get it, I can’t comprehend it and it seems as if we are mere scapegoats for the REAL issues that tackled the world at this current moment. YES, extremism is most definitely an international threat but for one second do not try to pinpoint such a threat on me or my Muslim brothers & sisters who actually despise these people 100 times more than you ever will.

At the end of the day, we are all human, regardless of skin colour, religion and ethics. Whatever happened

COMMUNITY VOICE:BEING A MUSLIM IN THE UK

By Safraz Ali

It upsets and sickens me what I am currently seeing on TV & reading in the press. The Islamaphobia is steadily increasing, not only the UK but also the rest of the world. FOX News have gone on another level declaring Birmingham a Muslim city… I visited Birmingham just last week and saw a ”Five Guys”, pretty sure it wasn’t halal guys. They are also referring to Mr Nigel Farage as an expert on British Muslims; it sickens me it truly does; anything for exposure I suppose. This is supposed to be the industry I would one day like to enter but the press juggernaut himself, Mr Murdoch expects me to apologise for the actions of other human beings? Mr Murdoch, will you be apologising for the hatred your publications have inflicted? Or, the children made orphans in Palestine, Pakistan, and Afghanistan? Didn’t think so.


to love thy neighbour? I don’t want to be in the predicament where I have to explain to my 5 year old child in 2034 why his best friends’ dad doesn’t wish for him to visit their house, or why no one sits next to us on the train (and they choose to stand instead), or why he’s being hated upon and judged purely for his skin colour and religious views. Did anyone see that Vine recently? The little kids chanting, ”We hate the Paki’s”. Is this what we’re teaching our children, the future leaders of tomorrows world?

I see the same arguments and ill comments on blogs, news sites, and on social media. The Prophet Muhammad married a young child, he had four wives, he did this, and he did that. It’s just pathetic is what it is. We are not going to take away your bacon baps nor do we intend to. I would like to use this space to offer out a handshake to those who feel as if the Muslims will be taking over the UK & the rest of the world. As a Muslim, I want nothing more than peace, respect, and equality. Do not comment on a religion you know nothing about. Do not hate on a human being purely for his faith in god and do not judge everyone of us an extremist because quite simply put, we hate these individuals much more than you could imagine.

My heart goes out to those effected by these tragic events. Though, my heart also goes out to those without a voice. The kids in Nigeria being killed mercilessly, the people of Palestine not knowing when the next air strike will commence, the citizens of Afghanistan who have grown up in such conditions, the teenagers being gunned down in our own Western backyards for it only to be brushed under the carpet, the victims of racial/religious abuse each and every single day in the UK for it not to be reported by the mainstream media purely because they have an agenda.

The world is a cruel place, you realise this the more you grow older. All we can do is trust and depend on one and other. Can’t we put this prejudice, hatred and fear behind us?

”Jihad is not a holy war, where’s that in the worship? Murdering is not Islam and you are not observant”.


Building Resilient Communities Through Leadership

Extremism, gang crime, and domestic violence plague communities everywhere—from the wealthiest U.S. suburbs to the most economically-deprived neighbourhoods in the U.K. And while many agree that it is hopelessness, alienation, and despair among the world’s young people that fuel much of the hate-filled fighting, it is one inspired London-based organization that is Modelling the Way with a program that is building resilient communities through leadership.

it is important to provide those communities and its members with the knowledge and skills needed to address and eradicate these issues. And to achieve that goal, ACF has identified that it is leadership—at a grass-roots level—coupled with education, that is the catalyst needed to bring about sustained change within communities.

The Young Leaders Programme (YLP) is one ACF programme that facilitates the personal development of young people and ultimately benefits the community. Launched in 2012, this leadership programme equips young people with such universal leadership skills as conflict resolution, crisis & chaos management, and public speaking while also educating them on various social issues—from preventing radicalisation and extremism, to knife crime, gangs, domestic violence, drug abuse, and bullying. At the heart of the YLP is the process of transforming young people into leaders, igniting their passion, and providing a platform that will allow them to bring about positive changes in their communities. In doing so, young people become positive agents of change, their level of vulnerability to crime is significantly reduced, and their communities benefit from more stable and productive environments.

Based on Kouzes & Posner’s The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® framework, YLP is an ongoing series of workshops and activities that brings together a diverse group of young people, typically in grades 11 and 12, from many different backgrounds, many faiths and ethnicities, males and females. Because the programme is an extracurricular activity, events and activities are coordinated outside of the student’s regular school schedule. A total of 70 young leaders have so far participated, with a new cohort of leaders inducted every September.

The East End of London—just a short distance from the site of the 2012 Olympics—is home to the Active Change Foundation (ACF), an organization founded on the belief in the resilience of today’s youth: they are dynamic, energetic, highly mobile and, most importantly, creative and innovative. All are qualities, the organization believes, that offer hope to the community at large.

ACF is well known for its ability to engage disenfranchised young people from predominantly ethnic minorities and provide them with pathways to build a better life. Having successfully proven its ability to prevent radicalisation and violent extremism, ACF is considered a pioneer in countering extremist ideology and reducing the recruitment of vulnerable young people into extremist networks. One of the organisation’s main objectives is to promote integration and cohesion within communities by confronting and preventing violent extremism in all its forms. ACF believes that in order to build communities resilient to issues such as extremism, gang crime, domestic violence, etc.,

By Balgees Barendilla


The programme runs over a period of seven months and includes workshops, local community events, and a 3-day residential leadership conference typically held at a university outside the city of London. At the start, each young leader is asked to select a personal cause that he/she feels passionate about and wants to change. The result is that each participant becomes more vested in the experience and throughout the programme is able to apply their developing leadership skills to a tangible output. Of course, their communities ultimately benefit as well as participants take their leanings back to make a positive different in their personal causes. Participants also complete the Leadership Practices Inventory® (LPI ®) prior to the start of the programme and after its completion, which allows ACF to provide tangible measurements of each young leader’s progress as a result of his/her participation.

Curriculum developed for the 3-day residential leadership conference, in particular, fully incorporates The Five Practices. For example, through ACF’s partnership network, key speakers and facilitators are carefully identified and invited to share the processes and methods they have used to successfully promote standards of excellence and bring about positive change. Modelling the Way, they provide young leaders with real-life experiences from which to learn. Over the course of the 3 days, all facilitators, speakers, and guests also contribute and reinforce the vision of ACF and, specifically, the vision of the YLP: that leadership, at a grassroots level, is key to bringing about sustained change within communities. And in the end, they help Inspire a Shared Vision among programme participants as well. In addition, the conference provides a platform for young leaders to utilise the

education they have gained throughout their YLP experience, to demonstrate ways they will Challenge the Process in order to create resilient communities. On day-two of the conference, young leaders engage in a day-long syndicate exercise during which they apply their learning and understanding to real life scenarios, in the end creating a culture of competence whereby participants feel confident in their decision making abilities and in their ability to Enable Others to Act. And finally, at the end of the three days, each young leader is given the opportunity to share with others the personal impact the YLP experience has had. For many, this is the time when they make an emotional connection to the programme—often voicing how the experience has Encouraged the Heart and how they now feel part of a unique community capable of positive change.

One young leader, for example, is Samiul Islam. Among the very first to attend the YLP in 2012, Samiul chose to tackle the issue of knife crime as his personal cause. Having previously been involved in antisocial behaviour, the YLP served as a catalyst for Samiul to transform his life and Model the Way for others. Working closely with ACF staff, Samiul has focused on identifying ways to Challenge the Process in order to reduce the number of stabbings in his community, (e.g., legislative changes to what constitutes a dangerous weapon). He has also gone on to campaign and raise awareness about knife crime in his community, and has delivered a number of workshops and presentations to Inspire a Shared Vision about a future without the need to carry a knife. Of course, in order to truly make a difference Samiul had to Enable Others to Act—successfully engaging other young people in his personal cause who, in turn, have helped effectively deliver his message.


As all young leaders are asked to do at the end of their YLP experience, Samuil presented his personal cause to other programme attendees. Like his cohorts, he was assessed on his presentation skills as well as his level of engagement throughout the programme—and was selected the winner! With that honour came the opportunity to co-present an Encourage the Heart workshop to dozens of leadership facilitators and coaches at The Leadership Challenge 2013 Forum in Scottsdale, Arizona in the U.S. And as Samiul’s parents, teachers, and peers will attest, the personal and professional growth he has undergone as a result of his YLP experience has led him to being a more focused, disciplined, understanding, aware, and compassionate young leader capable of leading his community.

Like Samuil, all YLP graduates become part of the Young Leaders Programme Alumni and commit themselves to being peer mentors for future YLPs. This is important as it keeps all young leaders engaged after the YLP has concluded and also develops a culture of learning and leadership that is needed for sustained change—both personally and in the community.

If you are interested in joining the upcoming Young Leaders Programme that starts in September 2015 contact us on [email protected] for your chance to do something amazing.

Caption: Pictures from the Young Leaders Programme - Sessions 2013 and 2014



Leadership is a difficult quality to define, what is a leader? And what is a good one? It’s so easy to grumble about our bosses or our teachers, assuming that they trouble us as part of some vicious plan of hateful vexation. Most of the time the hidden truth is quite simply that our leaders are only human, a lot of the time they won’t have a clue.

of characters and devolving moods. At one point I found myself alone in the centre whilst my team mates went to the barber, I was trying to find an answer to my Indian colleague about what the plan was for the day. Leadership isn’t always expected but a surprise can be a good thing. Everyone likes to feel needed after all.

Despite the difficulties it is important to remember leadership as an opportunity to learn. Overcoming challenges is a massive reward, and building relations with your team is great. I remember leading a class of 14 year old boys, 150 of them, who didn’t speak English. Every small bit of authority we actually carried off was a hard earned reward and it felt great to know that the end goal was teaching children to make positive choices for their future careers.

The truth is that we never begin at anything with complete competence. Life is a learning curve and leadership is not a title, it is a responsibility. Anyone can take on this responsibility and grow to fit it. If you have the confidence, motivation, and passion, you can do anything you apply yourself to. Challenge the boundaries of who has what role and step up. Don’t just complain and sit back, no one wants a leader elected by default.

Imagine you were living with a team of colleagues that were strangers to you before jumping on a plane to another continent. That’s what I did this summer as part of a volunteering project and it taught me a thing or two about how hard it is to lead people convincingly. By living in a shambles of a system absent of authority, I learnt what it means to step up to leadership.

My team found ourselves taking on unexpected responsibilities without a leader. Working for three months in South India to promote healthy livelihoods we reached over 1,200 people directly. My time in Tamil Nadu taught me a lot about responsibility, authority and blagging it. Essentially it taught me about leadership. Nothing really qualifies you to take it on but experience. This only means that you’ll take a few falls before you can really get to know the ropes.

We all know that when working in a team no one job description ever says it all. People fall behind, they struggle, whilst others overpower authority to manipulate power. In our team we had a diverse range

By Alice Roder


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EVENTS AT ACF EVENTS AT ACF


The era of globalisation has brought us closer. Today’s world is ever connected, socially, economically, culturally, but at what price? The mobile phone, if ever a piece of tech could represent the gains of globalisation it would be the mobile. For you and me it may seem like a timeless piece of tech, as we have grown up with it and watched it progress, a little less than 10 years ago the brick Nokia and the flip Motorola were the one to watch! Though now the 4G phones seem to be the norm.

So as well all now hold the latest phone, what really goes into it? Literally. Well beneath your plastic casing is a circuitry board, probably the most essential piece of your phone. This circuitry board is made from minerals, metals, Tin, Tantalum, and Tungsten to name a few. These minerals are essential for the electrical circuitry, battery and screens. The majority of these minerals are rare and have to be sourced from a variety of ores found in countries around the world. Coltan is an ore, when refined becomes Tantalum. So this ore not only is essential for the production of mobile phones but the majority of electronics. As for the recent technology boom the price of Coltan has rocketed thus becoming a prized commodity. Though as the world’s largest reserve of Coltan (64%) found in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It has led to it becoming a conflict mineral.

Conflict minerals are extracted from the earth in a country or region entangled in armed conflict. They come from mines controlled by armed groups, who then sell the resources to purchase weapons and other supplies. It’s a cycle which keeps the war going. The DRC has suffered with war and poverty, with the second Congo war being the deadliest conflict worldwide since World War 2, in which 5.4 million people have

lost their lives. Despite the formal end to the conflict in 2003, armed groups still cause havoc within the eastern region, funded through these conflict minerals. An estimated 8 million dollars is made through the selling of conflict Coltan alone in the region. Though who would buy this illicit mineral? Through the lack of regulation and legislation it will probably end up with the company found on the case of the phone which you bought. It sounds crazy right, these multi-million pound companies still seem to exploit the most vulnerable. Sadly it is a harsh reality. However it doesn’t have to be like that. These companies do not believe we -the consumers- want to consider the implications of what we buy. We need to let our leaders know we understand the connection between the products we enjoy and the suffering of others. We cannot remain silent.

We must hold accountable the providers of our products and ensure that the supply chain of minerals is conflict free and helps build the community instead of draining it. “Global Witness”, along with 60 other NGO (non-governmental organisations), is campaigning for binding legislation which would require companies to investigate their supply chains and publicly report their findings. This is a landmark opportunity to help put this right. Contact your MEP and say we need to stop this. Raise awareness. Do not become complicit. Use your phone to tweet, email, read, and share. You’ll be putting those minerals to good use.

Source: http://www.fairphone.com/

The Shock Doctrine: The rise of Disaster Capitalism – Naomi Klein

Films to watch: Blood Diamond, with Leonardo Di Caprio

Global CitizenBy Biranavan Sukumaran


My Work Experience at ACF By Farzan Mohammed Faizal

LIFE IN FRANCEFrance is a beautiful and elegant country, I adore it so much: the weather is great, the food is exquisite and everything there is to my liking. It is a wonderful and remarkable place to visit during your holiday. Make sure you go there and I would definitely recommend going to Disneyland and visit the Eiffel Tower.

LIFE IN LONDONLiving in Stratford is great: there are many places to go to and things to do, like going to Westfield. It is a very busy place and I do not know many people in Stratford. Even though, it is not well-known I like Walthamstow because it is where my school is, where most of my friends live and unlike Stratford, I know it very well.

SCHOOLIn year 10 you will start your GCSEs in school. I am currently studying Science, Maths, English, business, Religious Education (RE) and French. The subjects Science, Maths and English are compulsory for every student. Walthamstow Academy offers many other subjects including Business, ICT, Physical Education (PE), Spanish, Computing, Media or if you are really good in science then you can choose triple science, there are many other subjects, too.

After finishing year 11 we have a choice of either heading to college or staying in secondary school for sixth form. Here, there are more subject choices for you to choose from, like psychology.

Choosing options for your GCSEs is a vital part of your academic life. You need to consider what you want to choose and more importantly, what you want to be. Make sure it is something you will love and enjoy.

WORKING AT ACFFor 2 weeks I have been working at Active Change Foundation (ACF) for my work experience. It has been an incredible and unforgettable experience: the staffs were extremely friendly, supportive and helpful and I am tremendously lucky for this experience.

My name is Farzan Mohamed Faizal and I am 15 years old.

I live in Stratford with my parents and two brothers; I

was born in France and moved to England at the age of 10.

My background is Sri Lankan. I go to Walthamstow Academy

and I am in year 10.

I had a pleasant time during these 14 days. If only I could stay longer. For those thinking of their work experience, I would certainly recommend this placement for anyone and everyone.

During these 2 weeks, I have been doing some research, paper work, answering calls, working on PowerPoint and Word.

I have learnt many things during the two weeks: this has been a memorable and marvellous experience for me.

YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAMMEWhile I worked at ACF, I have been granted the chance to apply and be selected to the Young Leaders Programme.

I have already made many friends and enjoy this programme and I am looking forward to the upcoming events. I am extremely lucky to have chosen ACF for my work experience.


The Women’s Coffee Morning took place on the 29 January 2015. This was our first Coffee Morning in the New Year. We met at the Cafeteria on the third floor of ACF for a cup of tea, coffee, and some sweet/savoury snacks (including healthy snacks), to discuss the topic of ‘Women’s Self Defence’. The Coffee Morning was hosted by Zahra Qadir and myself. There were women from different backgrounds, all different age groups and all felt the same way. Women feel unsafe on the streets, and for those who have experienced being attacked they are scarred for life, even simple things in life become the most difficult.

There was a lot of different views and it was interesting to learn how each individual would deal with certain situations.

WE DISCUSSED THE FOLLOWING:

. If you were attacked, what is the first thing you would do?

. How can you help yourself?

. How you would cope being approached in a car park with all your shopping?

. Are subways safe or should there be more safety measures to prevent subway attacks?

A FEW TIPS:

1. Be alert – what are your surroundings ie? Are you alone walking down the road or standing at a bus stop alone, or is there someone there? Try and walk with confidence and in places where there are more people.

2. Mentally prepare yourself and you are less likely to become frozen by fear if anything was to happen.3. Don’t walk whilst using your ipod/phone – you will be unable to hear anything or anyone.4. Walk wide around building corners, especially when it is in the evening and its dark or in a quiet

residence – try and walk where there is light and main roads.5. Scream, shout, or make any loud noise that will get the attention of others if attacked. 6. Follow Your Intuition/Sixth sense, it is better to be safe than to ignore your instincts.7. When it comes to your car, be smart, take your keys out and put them in your pocket or your hands

- lock doors at all times.8. Be safe at home – don’t open the door for anyone unless you have seen their ID, even if they are

smartly dressed, don’t judge them by the way they look. Professional uniforms are easily bought over the counter, so make sure you get badge numbers etc of uniform. If you are still in doubt, ring the police, gas/electricity companies, etc to make sure that they are from the offices they say they are from.

9. Please be aware that Bailiffs are not allowed in your house without a warrant – they will be trespassing so make sure they show you the warrant first.

10. If you feel like you are being followed, go to a stranger’s house and ask them to call the police.11. Avoid taking your purse out in public and especially at the ATM machines.12. If in the shops, put your purse away so that you are ready to walk without sight of your purse.13. Carry some peppermint spray or panic alarms in your pocket/bag.

Our Women’s Coffee Morning is always a nice event to attend and meet other women. I hope to see you all next month, when we will have the topic of the month.

I hope you all stay safe.

Ladies Initiative: Women Coffee Morning

By Sairah Salim


Managing Your Stress

What IS StreSS?

Stress is how the body responds to any type of demand which can be a result of either positive or negative experiences. Stress is not age restricted, and it can affect anyone and everyone.

Many of life’s demands can cause stress, particularly work, relationships, and money problems. Stress can affect how you feel, think, behave, and how your body works. In fact, common signs of stress include sleeping problems, sweating, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating.

You may feel anxious, irritable or low in self-esteem. You may have racing thoughts, worry constantly, or go over things in your head.

When people become stressed their body discharges chemicals into the blood, causing an increase in energy. This can be positive if the stress was brought on by any physical strain, however it can be negative if the stress is emotional, as there is no release for this build-up of additional energy.

One thing you must understand about stress is that stress is ‘NOT’ a sickness, it is a frame of mind. However, if the stress is built up over a long period of time, it can result in the occurence of physical and mental sicknesses.

Stress can cause serious illness if it isn’t addressed. Spotting the early signs of stress will help prevent it

from getting worse and potentially causing serious complications such as high blood pressure.

There is little you can do to prevent stress but there are many things you can do to manage stress more effectively, such as learning how to relax, taking regular exercise, and adopting good time-management techniques.

DIfferent typeS of StreSS:

• Survival Stress - is the kind of stress related to physical danger in which your body reacts by increasing your energy to assist you resurvival in threatening circumstances.

• Internal Stress - is the kind of stress related to your mind. This is when you worry about things that you cannot control as well as overthinking situations. If prolonged, it can often result in people stressing about things that are not stressfull out of habit.

• Environmental Stress - is the kind of stress related to your surroundings, whether it is pressure from family and friends or simple things such as noises and crowds.

• Fatigue and Overwork - is the kind of stress related to your body caused by build-up work and the inability to manage your time. This results in lack of sleep, and nutrient intake.

By Abdul-Gaffar Mahdi


Emotional symptoms:

• Negative or depressed feeling • Disappointment with yourself • Increased emotional reactions - more tearful,

sensitive, or aggressive • Loneliness acting, withdrawn • Loss of motivation, commitment, and confidence • Mood swings

Mental:

• Confusion• Can’t concentrate • Poor memory

Changes from your normal behaviour:

• Changes in eating habits • Increased smoking, drinking, or drug taking to

‘cope’ • Mood swings effecting your behavior• Changes in sleep patterns • Twitchy/nervous behaviour • Changes in attendance, such as arriving later or

taking more time off.

Everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives, especially with exams. However, in order to manage or deal with your stress you must know what is causing it.

There are ways in which you can deal with stress, here are a few simple tips:• become more active• avoid unhealthy habits like smoking• be positive• work smarter instead of harder• accept the fact that you can’t change everything• interact with people• have some time to yourself to just relax

When it comes to stress you are not alone, and it does get better.

Sources:http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/understanding-stress.aspx


Petr Cech will be left to choose his next club if and when the goalkeeper feels his Chelsea career is over, which opens the door to a summer bid from Arsenal.

last summer, but Sissoko’s comments will irritate Newcastle. Given that Newcastle’s transfer policy is defined by it’s desire to buy players cheaply, school them in English football, and then sell them on for a vast profit, few supporters will be confident that Sissoko will be with them for much longer.

Liverpool youngster Suso has penned a deal with Serie A side AC Milan after passing a medical with the Rossoneri. The Spaniard managed only 21 appearances for the Anfield outfit since his arrival to Liverpool from Cadiz in 2010, and will be looking for more playing time under Filippo Inzaghi’s Milan side.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has ran out of patience with the poor form of Mario Balotelli and is planning to bring in Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain as his replacement. However, in order to sign the Argentinian, Balotelli will have to be sold or loaned out to another club, something that Liverpool are working on right now.

On The BallJanuary tranSfer Who’s staying and who’s leaving? This January transfer has been very weird and interesting all at the same time. The first thing everyone wants to know is whether Messi is leaving or not. There is a lot of rumours going around that Messi will only leave if a club is willing to spend £500m on him...Hmmm, is Messi really worth that much? In my opinion I don’t think he is worth that amount of money.

linked with a switch to the Premier League throughout the last few windows and the current one has been no different. Among those understood to be keen on the

Germany international are Manchester United and Arsenal, Manchester City are also said to have shown interest.

Manchester City has agreed a fee of £25m rising to £28m with Swansea City for the striker Wilfried Bony, who is set to sign a 4½-year deal worth £100,000 a week. Bony’s recruitment means Manuel Pellegrini, but theres a twist he will have to drop one of his 16 allocated overseas players from City’s Champions League squad.

The 26-year-old, who is on duty with Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations, has been bought as Pellegrini decided he needed a fourth striker. The manager is concerned about the injury records of the other three: Sergio Agüero, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic. It makes sense and its actually not a bad deal.

The 32-year-old is contracted to Chelsea until 2016, but Cech may decide he wants to leave Stamford Bridge sooner after falling behind Thibaut Courtois in manager Jose Mourinho’s pecking order.

Manchester United and Arsenal will not be signing Julian Draxler this month according to Schalke Chairman, Clemens Tonnies. The Germany international has been

no football player IS Worth £500m!!!

Moussa Sissoko has revealed that he wants to leave Newcastle United and would love sign for Arsenal as he wants to join a “bigger club”. The France international has been heavily linked for several weeks with a move to either Arsenal or Paris St Germain and his agent was touting him around

Arsenal’s hopes of signing Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin have been boosted after rivals Tottenham Hotspur have directed their interest to Everton player James McCarthy. Mauricio Pochettino is keen on bringing the 24-year-old Irish youngster to White Hart Lane, thereby allowing Arsenal to continue their pursuit of Southampton’s highly rated Frenchman.

Louis van Gaal has set his eyes on Southampton’s young right-back Nathaniel Clyne, who has been highly impressive this season. Gaal is hoping to prise away the England international from St. Mary’s, as he feels that Clyne meets his requirements perfectly.

By Maxwell Adjei


Business Of The MonthBy Mowlana Said

This month, we would like to name a very special restaurant Business of the Month. Aljazeera restaurant of Leyton High Road specialises in authentic Bravanese cuisine, which is very rare in this part of the world. Owner, Omar Said Abu Bakar started the business 5 years ago, and has already got a loyal fan base that extends beyond Waltham Forest.

“The Somali and Bravanese community were the inspiration for this restaurant, as a lot of people I came across missed the authentic taste they were used to back home”- Omar Said Abu Baker.

The Bravanese cuisine draws its influence from various regions and cultures such as: Arabia, Asia, East Africa, and even as far as Italy and Turkey. It is common knowledge that rice and pasta are a very important staple diet amongst the Bravanese and Somali community, but not many are aware of how complex the cuisine is. A traditional breakfast, for example, called Quraac (pronounced Kura’a) consists of a traditional bread that has a consistency somewhere between a pancake and a hot cross bun, the perfect start to your day!

Growing in popularity, Aljazeera restaurant have recently started catering at events, such as weddings and birthdays. Omar feels that this has brought him even closer to the community than before.

When asked about ACF, Omar tells us “they are passionate about the community and truly believe in bringing people together, like they did for the street party last summer.” Omar went on to talk about the youth centre, stating that “it is very important for our younger generation to have a place to go and socialise in a safe, friendly environment.”

To celebrate their 5th Anniversary, Aljazeera restaurant would like to offer a 10% discount off any meal to all of our readers, with the following code- ACFDISC10

Visit them soon at 450 Leyton High Road, London, E10 6QE. See you all there!


Here at the Active Change Foundation we centre our work on the recognition of youth talent and potential. Each month, a member of our Youth Centre is chosen by ACF Outreach Team Member Mowlana to recognise their outstanding contribution. This month we are happy to announce Jahanzeb Sherzad as youth of the month!

Jahanzeb joined the ACF Youth Centre in his first year of college, recommended by friends who are also members. Jahanzeb is 17 years old, born and raised in Waltham Forest, and studies at Bsix Sixth Form College. He describes his hobbies as: playing cricket, football, table tennis, and socialising with friends.

“I would like to thank ACF for providing different types of activities and equipment such as: pool, table tennis, PlayStation consoles, the gym, and football sessions which is more than enough to keep a young person busy,” – Jahanzeb Sherzad

Jahanzeb always makes the most out of the opportunities available here, and encourages others to make the most of services we offer,

“When I first joined ACF I would take part in the Gym and workshops which is provided by the Youth Centre, and it’s very helpful. The staff are very friendly helpful and can offer advice to you as a young person. If you ever need someone to talk to about matters that you are unsure how to handle, then you can talk to a member of staff about it. They can offer you advice and help you with any problems you’re going through.” – Jahanzeb Sherzad

In addition to joining in with youth activities, Jahanzeb appreciates how important ACF is to people who need help:

“I believe ACF is of great benefit to the community and I do what I can for the organisation. I am often informed about events or competitions organised/hosted by ACF and I like to to attend these events to show my support. Members are increasing and so are the number of youths the organisation has had an impact on. Therefore, I am proud to be a member.” – Jahanzeb Sherhad

Jahanzeb Sherzad

of the MonthYOUTH


BRAINCHEEKSCHINEARSEYEBROWSEYELASHES

EYELIDSEYESFOREHEADHAIRLIPSMOUTH

NECKNOSESCALPSKULLTEETHTONGUE

Across1. Direction of clock hands (9)8. Wrath (5)9. Gravy (5)10. Child who has lost both parents (6)12. Constituent (4)14. Wander (4)15. Picture theatre (6)17. Name (5)18. Emblem (5)20. Women in general (6,3)

Down2. Fall behind (3)3. Breakfast food (6)4. Desire (4)5. Tubular ground meat (7)6. Member of political party (9)7. Person who makes tents (9)11. Chatter (7)13. Bite gently (6)16. Hire (4)19. Decease (3)

Solution for last issue

COFFEE BREAKSolution for last issue

Puzzle: Head

Puzzle: UK Murcury 92

January 2015

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Transcript of January 2015