‘Amani Mtaani’ Football Tournament.

The year is coming to an end and I’m  looking forward to ushering in the new year 2013, a lot is expected in the new year being the year our Nation shall be celebrating its 50th birthday, the year of  jubilee.  Never the less it is good  to take account of the year 2012 which has had its share of  tribulations and triumph, thus with insightful reflection it will help us if possible not to repeat the same mistakes hence fasten our seat belts and cast our net wider for greater opportunities in 2013.

God has been so great to me this year like many other years in my life, I’m thankful for the support given to me all around the clock that granted me the opportunity to travel to Germany and the latest being Arua in  Northern Uganda.  As one of many Kenya who embrace diversity and wants peace to prevail in our country I have always challenged myself and my friends to initiate activities that shall unite all Kenyans even with less resources.

After launching the tribes42 T-shirt campaign One Nation – One People: My tribe is Kenya… (http://wilsenx.blogspot.com/2011/08/what-is-your-contribution.html) I feel more encouraged  to engage the youth in other activities that could help them spend  their time in a meaningful way especially in December.  December being a festive season and  almost all the schools , colleges and universities are closed at this time, and looking at the local sporting scene some of the leagues has ended,  thus leaving many of us glued to our televisions watching overseas leagues, movies etc. This trends leaves many young people wandering  around in the community in search of how they can use their time effectively or even try new experiences which some might be misleading.

“Amani  Mtaani” means peace in the community,  and with keen observation on how we usually spend our festive season in December  I have organized  a football tournament dubbed “Amani Mtaani”  whereby ten teams compete in a league basis play off and finals to be payed on the 26th December 2012. The main objective of this tournament is to preach peace and have the youth play together and forge new friendships despite their tribes and political affiliation. The most important rule of the tournament is to shake hands before and after each much and we strongly recommend praying together after the match despite the results.
My plea to everyone especially the youth!

“ You don’t know the importance of PEACE until you lose it… Don’t let the evil spirits torment your mind at the expense of losing peace… Let us cherish peace and live to maintain it forever. Happy festive season! @Wilsenx

“There’s nothing like broken dreams… Keep on dreaming whilst you search for your success in the puzzle”. @Wilsenx

Metro Wazee versus Mathare North Rangers during the on going 'Amani Mtaani' football tournament organized by Wilsen Initiative. The match ended 1-1

The Untapped Potential in Our Society.

In spite of their youthful energy and desire to succeed, many young people remain marginalized, unemployed and lack the voice in the decisions that affect us every day.

 I believe that if young people are given an environment and support to showcase their talents, skills, ideas, and projects, they shall be the source of positive social change, inspiration and creativity. At Wilsen Initiative (https://wilseninitiative.wordpress.com) which a community youth led initiative I founded, we strive to create the much needed platforms for youth to express themselves and connect with others in whatever areas of professionalism and interest. I/We shall nurture talents, spot talent from the grass root level and connect the youth with opportunities around them and beyond.

One of the issues I hold dear to my course is having a society that people respect each other and embrace diversity. I believe in a change that start with oneself thus my slogan; the champion in you… which illustrates that everyone has the potential to do something that can add value in their community. Youth being the bigger population in my country Kenya, we are left vulnerable to all manner of vices from crime, drug abuse, political polarization, unemployment etc. I can’t say there is no support at all from the government and NGO sectors but what needs to be done particularly in my country is to support youth led initiatives and tap the emerging talents by utilizing them to reflect positively in the society and create a community of positive role model which is dying.

 An idea would be to strengthen the youth empowerment programs especially in education and sports by offering opportunities to the less privileged youths who have the zeal to pursue further studies but due to unavoidable circumstances they are forced to indulge in bad behavior like alcoholism and crime which completely shut their dreams. My story is exceptional have beaten all odds to curve a career out of football and were it not of the courage and support I was given, I wouldn’t have made it this far. This is a perfect example of making it in life without a degree which is one great document in our society.

Degree and diplomas are important documents in our society and I don’t dispute these facts, but there are many young people with exceptional hands on skills, talents or passion to do something great but they lack the much needed systems, moral support or environments to see themselves as the next Chief Executives Officer a great company established by them, Attaining a degree is one step thus acquiring practical experience and self drive to do something you desire is another despite any obstacle on the ways. I’m really inspired by Richard Branson and Bobby Dekeyser story and for that, let us all support the youths around the clock. We are a treasure of our countries and the global community!

Wave of Love – United Kenya...

Like the ocean, lakes and rivers in this beautiful nation called Kenya, we need to spread the spirit of love (Love Waves) and encourage peaceful cohesion of it’s citizens and visitors through our work, events, deeds, thoughts, speech etc. Anyone can start the waves no matter who you are in the society. It's not meant for any particular group or people, we are all actors even if in a small territory and we don’t need to wait any longer to start the positive waves across our nation; upholding the the three important pillars which are Peace, Love & Unity. Have you heard of the Mexican wave in sports which is now a culture in Kenya during sports events? In brief, there are many theories surrounding where it exactly started, some people say it is during the World cup in Mexico in 1986 and other say it was started during the Olympics or by an individual ; but look at its impact internationally across the different cultures and creed. It is incredible! For more about the Mexican wave in sports kindly read http://www.guardian.co.uk/notesandqueries/query/0,5753,-21439,00.html

I’m filled with a lot of hope when all our leaders come together for the sake of this great nation like during the hero’s day ( Mashujaa day) celebration every 20th of October . Thus, this shouldn’t be the only platform for them to come together but, an everlasting practice even during different avenues of political affiliations or ideologies. Recently, I was at the Nyayo national stadium watching our national team play against the South African national team ( Harambees Stars v/s. Bafana Bafana) and to my amusement I felt once again as a true Kenyan whereby being part of the big spectators or fans who streamed in the stadiums with all regalia and paraphernalia bearing our national colors. Don’t underestimate the importance / power of a nation’s flag and its colors; it does Unite, Inspires, Identify, Rejuvenates etc. Even though our team lost 2-1 during the international friendly match, I was really happy to see my fellow Kenyans turnout in large numbers chanting songs of praise to our national team and the nation at large.

 It is my sincere wish and hope that this should be consolidated in all events and gathering whether political or non-political...

In every inspiring moment I leave a mark or trace and that is why I channel my energies and creativity by running a T-shirt campaign in different series. I hereby would like to introduce to you the Wave of Love – United Kenya which is inspired by the Kenyan citizens coming together for the love of this great nation either in sports events, public event etc. It's time for everyone to share and spread the love and start this wave most especially during this election time. "A positive wave starts with one person and that person can be you…" Wilsen Initiative

---

Love Wave T-shirt  : United Kenya designed by Wilsenx

 

---

The waves of the sea 

"The waves of the sea help me get back to me".

Source :  http://morethansayings.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-waves-of-sea.html

---

Here is a competition for you to try it out...

What is your expression of love?  Send your originally designed / crafted idea to info[at]wilsenx.com to stand a chance of winning United Kenya T-shirt. The T-shirt is out on sale but we shall award one top idea. Please don't send computer illustration... Think and Develop!

Note: The winner shall arrange for collection or shipment of the t-shirt!