Changing Times

Gone are the days when people used to chat, eat and relax with friends without the ring of a cell phone interrupting the conversation. Nowadays it is common to find people in a meeting with their mobile phones on, forcing facilitators to create meeting norms before diving into the main content. The common norms that are always on the list are mobile phones off, switching to silent mode or switching to vibration mode depending on the participants. As per my own findings, The current surprising revelation is that on the the list of meeting norms it’s more common to find no use of a mobile phone than no smoking.

The reason being, for smoking there have been remarkable efforts towards sensitization in private and public domains and people are aware. When I was young a child, a friend visiting our home for the first time could either ask for picture albums, stare at the pictures on the walls, read a book or magazines and lastly wait patiently with either their arms or legs crossed for further instructions or conversation. In today's age, with the wide spread of technology especial mobile phones, it's rare to find someone seated thoughtful doing nothing especially if they have a mobile phone in their palm. A large number of youths are fond of the habit of using their phone ‘AA’(Anytime & Anywhere ) which they don’t realize might be costly either not get clear information or missing an opportunity of getting hired especially if you are attending an interview etc.

In a conversation, either formal or informal it is key to concentrate and listen more than you speak, but how can you do that if your concentration is spread too thin by using a computer or mobile phone during the meeting? Technology isn’t bad, thus exploring it to the maximum is a good thing. The only worrying trend is how we have administered it that has loosened the social fabric to the extent that people relate more to gadgets than their peers. If this isn’t enough, have you ever sat with a friend chatting but instead of them listening to you with eye contact, which suggests a high level of concentration, their eyes are glued to their cell phones not for business purposes but on social network site chatting with an online friend.

The worst instances are when a person is either playing games or using the social network while in a meeting, having food with a group or alone. Last year while in Germany I met a friend who invited us to his home in the Netherlands. Apart from his generosity was his use of a phrase that has stuck in my mind “No Mail Meals!” which meant that there was a time for everything. In his words, you shouldn’t be emailing or using a computer while having a meal; you need to concentrate on enjoying the good taste of the food, and if with friends it is of value to concentrate on them rather than on a computer of mobile phone. I know of a family which switches off the television while having a meal .

So think deeply about this on how it can contribute to an effective family, team, or company to not abuse technology at the expense of interacting with people. Next time you are in a social place like a hotel, restaurant or church, observe keenly the trends on how people abuse technology at the expense of having a relaxed day out with friends or listening to lectures. Add your workplace, or if you are going to attend any formal meeting or workshops, open your eyes wider to capture the culprits.

My message to everyone out there is to embrace technology but not at the expense of human interaction when it is convenient. If this is not well balanced we are heading into a World of more interaction with machines than with real people.

“To solve the World’s problem we need more of human interaction while embracing technology”. Wilsenx

‘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!