MUKURU FESTIVAL AWARDS

23Oct, 2023

MUKURU FESTIVAL AWARDS

🌟 Mukuru Festival Awards: Celebrating Excellence and Resilience 🌟

Get ready for a night of glitz, glamour, and the celebration of outstanding individuals and groups who have left an indelible mark on the Mukuru community! The Mukuru Festival Awards are back, and they’re bigger and more diverse than ever before.

This year, we’re thrilled to introduce over 30 categories that will honor the incredible work and achievements of those who have contributed to our community’s growth and transformation. 🏆

Categories include:

🗳️ Voted Once Categories: You, the community, have the power to cast your votes and choose the winners in these categories. It’s a chance for your voice to be heard and to show appreciation for those who have made a real difference.

Artist of the Year
Song of the year
Music Video of the year
Football team of the year
Footballer of the year
Coach of the year
Organization of the year
Group of the year
Dance group of the year
Radio Presenter of the year
Visual Artist of the year
Youth of the year
Film of the year
Film Director of the year
Actor of the year
Photographer of the year
Stylist/Fashion Designer of the year
Deejay of the year

🎖️ Honorary Category: Our honorary category pays tribute to individuals and organizations whose exceptional contributions have had a lasting impact on Mukuru. These awards are a symbol of our collective gratitude and admiration.

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with music, dance, and heartwarming moments as we honor the unsung heroes of Mukuru. Together, we’ll shine a spotlight on excellence, unity, and the spirit of resilience that defines our community.

Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we prepare to recognize and applaud the incredible talents and efforts that make Mukuru shine. 🌟🎶

#MukuruFestAwards #ExcellenceInMukuru #Resilience #CommunityHeroes

To Nominate Yourself or to Nominate a Change Maker Submit to the form or Link Below

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1HIYwOPyemTaKBomAU6qe6VTkdcSBuK9SS-z6SdMTM98/edit

https://forms.gle/4dRRTZh7WudbrkreA

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18Oct, 2023

What Is Sexually Transmitted Infection?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS represent an often overlooked and unspoken epidemic. This situation is being contributed by shortage of condoms in the country and a lack of youth-friendly services. This week’s discussion focused on understanding STI, its consequences and the importance of regular screening. The conversation was guided by a documentary by Raphael Tuju, exploring various STIs and their graphic effects.

STIs are prevalent among sexually active individuals, putting anyone engaging in sexual activity at risk, including those with HIV. These infections are transmitted through sexual activities like anal, vaginal, or oral sex, though HIV has additional transmission routes, including unsterilized drug needle use. STIs do not discriminate based on sexual orientation or hygiene standards and can even be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

According to the World Health Organization, over 30 different types of STIs can be contracted through sexual contact, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus, trichomoniasis, syphilis, hepatitis A, B, and C, among others. More than 1 million STIs are acquired daily worldwide, with most cases showing no symptoms. Shockingly, over 1 million pregnant women were estimated to have syphilis in 2016, leading to more than 350,000 adverse birth outcomes.

Majority of young people in our discussion were surprised to learn that STIs can lead to infertility and even mental illness if left untreated. They also raised questions about who is the carrier between men and women. With the majority of men stating that women are carriers of STI knowingly while women are carriers unknowingly.

“I am shocked that STIs can lead to madness and infertility, the video has shown us something that we have never seen before. Those pictures were traumatizing but they show things as they are.”

Proper and consistent condom use is one of the most effective methods of protection against STIs, including HIV. However, condoms may not protect against STIs that cause ulcers outside the genital area, such as syphilis or genital herpes. Whenever possible, condoms should be used during vaginal and anal intercourse. Safe and highly effective vaccines exist for two viral STIs, hepatitis B and HPV, representing significant progress in STI prevention.

STIs often go unnoticed as they are frequently asymptomatic or present non-specific symptoms. Diagnosis relies on laboratory tests involving blood, urine, or anatomical samples, and one individual can carry at least one STI in three anatomical sites. These variations can lead to missed diagnoses, and individuals might be treated for multiple STIs.

Effective treatments are available for several STIs. Three bacterial STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) and one parasitic STI (trichomoniasis) can generally be cured with single-dose antibiotic regimens. For herpes and HIV, the most effective medications are antivirals, which can manage the diseases but not cure them. Antivirals can help fight the hepatitis B virus and slow damage to the liver.

As the video emphasized, to control the spread of STIs, it is crucial to follow the ABC approach: Abstinence from sex, Being faithful to an uninfected partner, and using Condoms correctly. Regular screening is also essential. Ignoring minor discomfort or itching is unwise for sexually active individuals, as getting tested for STIs is vital for their health and the well-being of their partners.

Reference: World Health Organization.

To watch the video, click on this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YxmjQ2ANqs

6Oct, 2023

Role Of Member Of Parliament – Legislation

One of Parliament’s fundamental and indispensable functions is the enactment of laws, in accordance with its legislative authority outlined in Article 94 of the Constitution. Members of Parliament bear the pivotal responsibility of creating and formulating legislation, effectively wielding their legislative power to fulfill this vital role. The Parliament of Kenya operates in accordance with the Constitution by representing the will of the people and upholding their sovereignty, with legislation being a key aspect of this representation.

Your Member of Parliament should actively participate in all stages of the legislative process. There have been instances where Members of Parliament have attended all readings except the final one, where they are required to vote. Such absences mean that your input and representation are missing in the decision-making process. This emphasizes the importance of electing someone who prioritizes your interests, as they should seek and consider the views and inputs of their constituents before passing a bill.

Unlike county governments, where MCAs legislate laws affecting county-level governance, Members of Parliament are responsible for passing laws that impact the entire country. The initiation of a bill must be undertaken by a Member of Parliament.

It is crucial to differentiate between a legislative proposal and a Bill in the legislative process. A legislative proposal serves as an initial concept for a potential Bill, while a Bill is a formalized and publicly disclosed draft of a proposed law intended for consideration and introduction in the National Assembly. Both legislative proposals and Bills typically aim to achieve specific objectives, whether it involves introducing new legislation, amending existing laws, or repealing certain laws altogether.

When a Member or a Committee of the National Assembly intends to present a Bill in the House, a mandatory step involves submitting the legislative proposal to the Speaker for approval. This proposal is typically accompanied by a memorandum that articulates the Bill’s objectives and justifications.

Once a Bill has successfully passed through the House, the Speaker presents it to the President in a form known as the Vellum. The President has the option, within fourteen days, to either assent to the Bill or refer it back to the House with a memorandum outlining any reservations or concerns. This marks the final step in the legislative process before a bill becomes law.

The Sauti Mtaani Project aims to bring enlightenment to our community by educating them about the various roles and responsibilities of duty bearers. We believe that it is only through a clear understanding of these roles that we can effectively hold them accountable and pose pertinent questions. This project is committed to empowering community members, enabling them to engage actively with their elected leaders. It seeks to enhance their knowledge of social accountability, allowing us to use art as a tool to address community issues efficiently and creatively. Jua Leader Wako.

5Oct, 2023

Condoms or PrEP? Which Way For Young People?

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Participants during coffee bar Tuesday discussion. Photo; Nelmo Munyiri

Are young people aware of the various contraceptive options available to them? Are these contraceptives easily accessible and readily available? Building on our previous discussion from last week, our recent Coffee Bar Session was dedicated to bridging the gap between contraceptives and PEP and PrEP awareness. During the session, the moderator posed a crucial question: how many are familiar with the distinctions between PEP and PrEP? Surprisingly, the majority admitted to having never heard of these medications and was unsure how they work.

Our discussion began by acknowledging that most contraceptives, except for condoms, do not protect against HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Contraceptives primarily serve to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Some participants expressed concerns that providing teenagers with contraceptives at an early age might encourage them to engage in sexual activities. However, it remains a fact that many young people are already engaging in unprotected sex, with or without access to contraceptives.

Currently, Kenya faces a shortage of condoms, exacerbated by shrinking donor funding, resulting in a scarcity of free condoms. Sadly, retail prices for condoms have increased, making safe sex more expensive. Various stakeholders, including the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), have warned of a potential surge in preventable HIV outbreaks, STIs, and unplanned pregnancies, especially among young people and vulnerable populations, due to the ongoing condom shortage.

Condoms have been categorized as medical devices rather than medical supplies, which has led to a 16 percent added tax. Consequently, most condom dispensers that previously provided free condoms are now unable to do so. Even our organization, Mukuru Youth Initiative, has been affected, as our dispensers no longer have condoms. As a safe space for young people, we used to distribute free condoms to 15 to 20 people daily, often providing an entire box per day. This shortage means that young people are forced to seek alternatives, engage in unprotected sex or choose abstinence.

One participant shared, “I never knew there are medications that some can take for the prevention of HIV. I only knew abstinence and condoms as the only ways to avoid getting HIV.”

What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is a medication taken to prevent HIV transmission and infection before potential exposure. To start PrEP, one must first test negative for HIV. When taken consistently, PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 99%. PrEP requires daily use and is available with a prescription. It is particularly crucial for individuals at high risk of contracting HIV during sexual activity, such as men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and people with HIV-positive partners.

What is PEP?

PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. It consists of a short course of HIV medications prescribed to individuals who have been exposed to the virus. Unlike PrEP, which is designed for preventing HIV infection before exposure, PEP is taken after potential exposure. PEP should be initiated within 72 hours after potential exposure and typically lasts for 28 days or longer.

During our discussion, we emphasized that PrEP should only be taken by individuals at risk of HIV infection, including those with multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men, and individuals with a history of STIs in the last 6 months. If you have tested negative for HIV and believe that PrEP is suitable for you, you should visit the nearest health center. However, it is essential to recognize that the majority of young people are at risk of HIV infection. We must use all available platforms and mediums to encourage young people to protect themselves from contracting the virus. See you on Tuesday!

27Jul, 2023

Between Your Phone And Relationship, Which Comes First?

*Participants during Coffee Bar Tuesday.* Photo: Julius Rasat

Imagine a world where mobile phones were never invented. These devices have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives and become a basic necessity, enabling us to stay in closer touch with family and friends. The countless advantages they offer often go unnoticed. This week’s Coffee Bar Tuesday discussion centered on how mobile phones impact our relationships. The thought-provoking question was whether, given the choice, one would prioritize their relationship or their mobile phone.

A total of 38 participants engaged in the discussion, and the majority expressed their preference for prioritizing their relationships over their mobile phones, citing various reasons. They emphasized that phones should serve as a means of communication and nothing more. Trust in their partners played a significant role, leading them to believe that their phones should not come between them. Participants pointed the importance of setting boundaries in relationships and recognized the need to prioritize human connections over digital devices.

On the other hand, some participants argued in favor of their phones, considering them sacred and incomparable to anything else. They highlighted the fact that they had their phones before their relationships; no relationship should touch on their phones. However, the general consensus leaned toward valuing relationships over phones, as the irreplaceable emotional connections and vibes from partners hold more significance than any material possession.

“Phones are replaceable but some of the vibes you get from your partner are irreplaceable. But if you want premium tears, just touch my phone. “One participant said

Participants acknowledged that the decision between a phone and a relationship could vary depending on the nature of the relationship itself. Marriage, for instance, held a different level of commitment compared to a casual “situationship.” They reasoned that their choice might differ accordingly. One participant shared that they wouldn’t prioritize their phone in a situationship but prioritize the relationship in a marriage status, emphasizing the importance of understanding the unique dynamics in each scenario.

During the discussion, a thought-provoking question was posed by the moderator: If your partner spent the entire day with your phone, would your relationship still stand? The responses varied, but one participant humorously remarked that touching their phone might lead to “premium tears.”

“I cannot delete my past because you came to my life. You shouldn’t just judge because of my past but rather work on building our relationship together. Looking at my phone is looking for premium tears” Participant added.

The conversation also touched on the idea that our society places a significant emphasis on protecting the privacy of our phones. People hold personal secrets within their devices, and the notion of someone invading that privacy raises concerns. However, this issue often arises from past experiences, trust and at times curiosity.

Ultimately, the discussion emphasized that while keeping one’s phone private is acceptable, the foundation of a successful relationship lies in mutual understanding and trust. By nurturing a strong bond with your partner and understanding their needs, the allure of the phone diminishes. When trust and communication thrive, the need to delve into each other’s devices becomes less relevant. See you Tuesday!

20Jul, 2023

What Is Your Take On The Ongoing Maandamano?

*Participants during Coffee Bar Session.* Photo: Julius Rasat

Nationwide protests have erupted across different parts of the country, with a significant involvement of young people at the forefront of the demonstrations. The ongoing protests have been predominantly led by the Azimio La Umoja coalition, leader Raila Odinga, who is urging the Kenya Kwanza government to address various demands, including a reduction in the cost of living.

The right to protest is protected under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees the rights of every person to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities in a peaceful and unarmed manner. The 1950 Public Order Act, as amended, further governs public assembly in Kenya, requiring individuals intending to organize a public assembly to give the police notice between three and fourteen days in advance.

This week’s #CoffeeBarTuesday focused on the ongoing anti government protests. During the discussion on the ongoing protests, participants were asked why they would attend the demonstrations. Out of 42 attendees, only 6 confirmed they would be participating, 4 were undecided, while the rest cited various reasons for not attending. Some reasons given by those supporting the protests included the burden of high living costs, overwhelming taxes, the call from Raila Odinga to join, proximity to the protest location, a desire for the president to hear their concerns, demands for President William Ruto to step down, and the unfulfilled promise of affordable unga to Ksh 100.

On the other hand, those who were undecided about attending expressed that their participation would depend on factors such as security and the overall situation during the protests. Those who decided not to attend cited reasons such as a lack of peaceful protests in Kenya, work commitments, nothing will change even if we demonstrate day in day out, belief that the demonstrations are politically driven rather than people-driven, personal losses experienced due to past protests and concerns about personal safety.

“…I am protesting to call the government to lower cost of living and also reduce the price of unga. Whatever I am doing right now might not bear fruits right but they eventually” participant said

During the discussion, one participant highlighted that protests often involve four types of people: those genuinely advocating for the cause, those attending for entertainment or fun, those present due to peer pressure, and individuals with malicious intentions to vandalize and steal. Recent protests have seen a mix of peaceful participants, those having fun, and others engaging in property destruction.

The issue of safety during protests was also a prominent topic of discussion. Many participants pointed out that confrontation often arise between the police and protesters, with provocations leading to reactions from both sides, including teargas or stone-throwing. The Ministry of Interior and Coordination reported the arrest of 300 people during the protests, and the number of fatalities remained unknown.

A psychologist present during the discussion emphasized the importance of prioritizing personal safety in all aspects, including physical, emotional, and mental well-being during protests. She highlighted the potential risks involved in protesting and the need to ensure one’s safety, as there may be others with different intentions amidst the demonstrations.

…I am already counseling kids who lost their father during protests, losing someone is so traumatizing. As you join the protests, make sure you are safe both mentally and physically” Psychologist said

As an organization, the message conveyed is that we believe in the rule of law and understanding the reasons behind young people joining the protests. We acknowledged the diverse motives for joining the protests and emphasized the importance of protesting peacefully without resorting to violence. The key takeaway was that one should prioritize their safety and well-being during protests and refrain from engaging in activities that may jeopardize their lives.

In conclusion, we as an organization encourage peaceful protests while ensuring safety, and reminded everyone to be cautious and protect themselves during the demonstrations. See you on Tuesday!

19Jul, 2023

Role Of MCA – Representation

Maintaining Close Contact With The People Living in His/her Ward

The role of the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) or Ward Representatives in Kenya is undoubtedly vital and irreplaceable. They play a crucial part in the functioning and sustainability of county governments. However, it is essential to assess whether the communities and the people who elected them truly understand their roles and responsibilities. In this context, one of the key responsibilities of MCAs is Representation.

It is important to reflect on when was the last time your MCA called for public participation to discuss issues that should be presented at the county assembly? When did they last address matters that directly impact the residents of their ward? When was the last time you saw your MCA? Representation requires MCAs to maintain close contact with the people in their ward, consulting them on relevant issues to be raised in the county assembly. By actively engaging with their constituents, MCAs can better understand and address the needs of the electorate.

This role is crucial because it allows the MCA to identify and propose solutions to pressing matters such as improving feeder roads or providing bursaries to deserving students. Unfortunately, we have observed that many MCAs, once elected, they tend to relocate and become disconnected from the electorates. However, the act of relocating should not hinder the relationship between the leader and the people of the ward. It is imperative for MCAs to maintain close contact and actively engage with their constituents throughout their term, rather than disappearing and only reappearing when seeking re-election five years later.

MCAs should make it a priority to inform their electorate about the various issues being discussed within the Assembly. Furthermore, they should actively seek input and consult with their constituents to gauge their opinions and perspectives. This consultation process should be used as a guide when voting on these issues, ensuring that the views of the people they represent are taken into account. By striving for transparency and inclusive decision-making, MCAs can effectively fulfill their role as representatives of the people.

Through Sauti Mtaani Project, we are enlightening the community on different roles of duty bearers. Its nly through understanding their roles and responsibilities that we shall be able to ahold them accountable and ask relevant questions. The project seeks to empower community members to actively engage with their elected leaders, increase their knowledge of social accountability, and utilize art and media to address community issues effectively. Jua leader wako!

12Jul, 2023

Childhood Trauma Could Be Affecting Your Life As An Adult

*Participants during Coffee Bar Tuesday at Ruben Centre.* Photo: Peris Saleh

What was your childhood like? Do you have an experience that you went through as a child and it’s haunting you? Did you know that we have normalized some of the traumatic experiences that we went through as a child? This week’s coffee Bar was hosted at the Ruben Centre in partnership with Salama Centre – this is a space where young people can express issues on mental health and also advocate for their rights.

Together with the Tujibonge team, an initiative under the Salama Centre co-hosted the discussions with a psychologist present touching on how childhood still haunts us as adults and ways in which we can be able to cope. We started by defining what childhood trauma is –this encompasses scary, dangerous, violent, or life-threatening events experienced or witnessed by children. Traumatic experiences don’t always offer an opportunity to feel your feelings, and if you are too young to understand them properly, it can create lingering trauma reactions.

Children are often viewed as highly resilient and able to bounce back from just about any situation, but traumatic experiences in childhood can have severe and long-lasting effects well into adulthood if they are left unresolved. Adults who experienced traumatic events as children may have recurring nightmares, and flashbacks, or may feel like they’re in a constant state of danger.

Considering this was a safe space, our focus was to share what we might have experienced as children and linking it to traumatic experiences. Society has normalized some traumatic events making it look like a way of life. Some of these normalized traumatic events include loss of someone close to you, corporal punishment, bullying, community violence, beating, and poverty amongst others.

Participants were able to share their personal experiences in which some traumatic experiences are still haunting them or are affecting their lives as adults. To bring the discussion home, we shared some of the traumatic experiences that we experienced as children due to circumstances, set ups or situations.

Some of these traumatic experiences that are normalized and are currently affecting our lives include
If you grew up in a violent home, chances of you staying in one relationship are very minimal or you will always have trust issues.
If you grew up in a set up where you were beaten as a discipline mechanism, you will always have goosebumps any time you witness a child being beaten.
If you were sexually violated as a child, you will always be careful with who you have a relationship with or have trust issues with the opposite gender.
If you grew up in a home where your parents divorced, you will always endure anything to make sure that your child has 2 parents.
If you grew up having 1 shoe or at most 2 pairs, there are high chances that as an adult you will invest more on shoes.
If you went to high school and maybe you rarely had your parents during school visiting days, you will do anything to make sure your children don’t experience the same.

How do you know that you have unresolved childhood trauma? Substance abuse, dependence, and abuse, stress, anxiety, mood and personality disorders, behavioral issues, emotional immaturity, and inability to handle conflict are just a few of the indicators of unresolved childhood trauma.

“I used to be beaten by my mom to a point I felt that she doesn’t love me. I used to feel like I was adopted. This made me make a promise to never hit my child.” Said a participant

Childhood trauma often causes adults to develop PTSD and have symptoms that affect their daily lives. Children who witness or experience trauma during childhood can develop PTSD and other mental health conditions that last throughout their lives. At the end, we got professional advice on how to cope with some of these traumatic situations. It is also important to mention that therapy, as well as talking to someone, is one of the best techniques that make an individual feel comfortable and capable of processing their past. It’s always advisable to get professional help on any mental health disorder. Salama Centre has a psychologist ready to help you on any mental health disorder. See you on Tuesday!

11Jul, 2023

Internship Opportunity

Position : Project Planning and Management at Mukuru Youth Initiative (MuYI)

Are you a young and ambitious individual with a passion for project planning and management? Are you eager to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world projects and gain hands-on experience in the field? Look no further! Mukuru Youth Initiative (MuYI), located at MuYI HUB in Mukuru kwa Reuben, is thrilled to announce an exclusive internship opportunity in Project Planning and Management designed specifically for talented youth like you.

About MuYI:

MuYI is a community art-based organization dedicated to making a lasting impact on the Mukuru community. We believe in the power of art as a catalyst for positive change and focus on four strategic objectives: Art for Expression, Social Enterprise, Civic Engagement, and Climate Justice. Our mission is to create a vibrant community of young change makers who use their skills, creativity, and passion to drive social transformation.

Key Responsibilities:

 Collaborate with project managers to assist in the development and execution of project plans.
 Participate in project meetings and contribute ideas to improve project efficiency and
effectiveness.
 Conduct research and analysis to support project planning activities.
 Assist in creating project schedules, tracking milestones, and monitoring progress.
 Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless communication and collaboration.
 Prepare reports and presentations on project status, highlighting key findings and
recommendations.
 Support the team in identifying and mitigating project risks and issues

Qualifications:

 Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from university/college program with a focus on
Project Planning and Management or a related field.
 Strong understanding of project management principles and methodologies.
 Excellent organizational and time management skills.
 Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
 Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
 Analytical mindset with the ability to think critically and solve problems.
 Detail-oriented and able to work independently or as part of a team.

Benefits:

 Gain practical experience in project planning and management while actively engaging with the Mukuru community.
 Gain exposure to a variety of projects and industries, broadening your understanding of different contexts and challenges.
 Opportunities for skill development and career advancement through hands-on experience in community engagement, creative thinking, social mobilization, and innovation.
 Make a meaningful impact by contributing to successful projects that address the needs of the community.
 Develop a well-rounded skill set that combines project planning and management expertise with community-focused approaches.

Duration and Compensation:
This internship opportunity at MuYI is a 3 months position, starting from September to November 2023. While this is an unpaid internship, we offer valuable learning and growth opportunities that will enhance your future career prospects.

Application Process:
To apply for this exciting internship opportunity, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any supporting documents to info@mukuruyi.org or contact us at 0718606149. In your cover letter, please highlight your interest in project planning and management and explain how this internship aligns with your career goals.

The application period is open from July 1st, 2023, to August 10th, 2023. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further interviews.

Don’t miss out on this chance to kickstart your career in project planning and management with Mukuru Youth Initiative (MuYI)

! Apply now and unlock your potential.

Note: MuYI complies with all applicable laws regarding equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. MuYI Doesn’t use recruiting agencies or intermediaries so don’t pay any amount to get this opportunity.

5Jul, 2023

How Long Should You Wait Before Asking For A Favor?

*Participants During Coffee Bar Tuesday* Photo: Evans Jomo

At what stage of a relationship should one ask for favors from his/her partner? Do you think asking for a favor in a relationship is a natural part of any healthy dynamic? However, timing and context play crucial roles in determining when it is appropriate to ask for a favor. Remember, every relationship is unique, and the right time to ask for a favor will vary based on the individuals involved.

This week’s Coffee Bar Tuesday session started with a question posed by the facilitator to the participants, on what is the right time to ask for favors if one is in a relationship. The answers by participants were different as each one had their reasons. One participant said that it depends on how long you have known each other and how strong the relationship is.

“….sometimes you can ask for favors on the first day of meeting up with a person so that you can drive them away. This applies if you are not interested in that particular individual.” one participant said.

Majority of participants felt that it’s important to maintain a sense of balance and reciprocity in a relationship. If you have been actively supporting and helping the other person when they needed it, it’s reasonable to expect that they would be open to helping you in return when you ask for a favor. It was noted that asking for favors has been branded as a ladies issue but in reality men also ask for favors.

Prioritizing open and honest communication in a relationship will also determine the favors fulfilled. If you have created a safe space for discussing your needs and concerns, it will be easier to ask for a favor without feeling hesitant or anxious.

“…If it is someone you love and have an open communication, favors will not feel like favors as they will come naturally……I also don’t mind doing favors for my partner as long as she is staying with me and we have connected and bonded well.” one participant added.,

A participant also shocked some of the participants when she stated that sometimes ladies ask for favors to keep you off. It’s known out there the moment a lady asks for 2000 urgently, chances are she is trying to see if you can be able to handle her needs. In her words, if you press her so much to accept your advances the first thing she will do is ask you to send a sum of money which she knows that you are not able to raise at that time. Through this, you will go mute on her.

One should consider the emotional connection and intimacy between you and the other person. If you have established a strong emotional bond and have demonstrated empathy and understanding, it can create an environment where asking for a favor feels more comfortable.

It’s important to have a solid foundation of trust in a relationship before asking for favors. Trust takes time to build, so make sure you have developed a level of trust and reliability with the person before making requests that require their assistance.

Do you think there’s a difference between favor and support.. Do you think someone doing you a favor is supporting you? Do you think you should be able to return the favor? These were some of the reflective questions that we had during the discussion.

The process of asking for a favor often involves open communication and active listening. It encourages individuals to express their needs and allows the other person to gain insight into their partner’s or friend’s challenges. This exchange of information fosters understanding, empathy, and a deeper knowledge of each other’s strengths and limitations. Through favors, individuals learn to communicate effectively, share vulnerabilities, and work together towards finding solutions.

The act of asking for and granting favors creates opportunities for emotional bonding. When someone reaches out for assistance, they demonstrate vulnerability and trust in the other person. Similarly, providing help showcases compassion and empathy. It was also pointed out that some of these favors are not reciprocal, they have dire consequences such as sexual and gender based violence, assault among others. There have been cases where individuals feel they are owed for doing their counterparts favors.

Favors provide opportunities for individuals to support each other, cultivate empathy, and foster a sense of belonging. By embracing the power of favors, we can create relationships that are grounded in mutual assistance, understanding, and genuine care. We must be very careful with whom we give and ask for favors. Make sure it’s someone who wouldn’t put you in a situation that you wouldn’t want to be in or ask for something you can’t give or provide. Give or ask for favor from someone you are comfortable with. See you on Tuesday!

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