Omoluabi News

Most people go through life and constantly hear about the word RESPECT but don’t know what it means. RESPECT is the esteem for a sense of the worth or excellence of a person. RESPECT means if there is someone like an elder, teacher or counsellor, you wouldn’t just push them and say, “get out of my way’’. RESPECT means: don’t be rude, always be kind and treat others the way you want to be treated. RESPECT needs to be in everything we do. Here are some examples of RESPECT and disrespect. The example of RESPECT are kind words like: thank you, please and excuse me. The example of disrespect is Donald trump and how he looks upon women, also his view on minorities and his arrogance. If you just care about yourself and still want RESPECT from your peers, people will talk about you behind your back and won’t want to do anything with you. Have RESPECT!

A child of respect is
supposed to be a
respectful child
Even when your limits are being tested
And while you are being tested
Your respect and character should never be
neglected

A child of respect is supposed to be a respectful child
So, your words should never be vulgar or vile
Omoluabi!

A child of character carries themselves with respect and a great big smile
And is of character even when no one is around
Omoluabi!

Respect should be contagious
Not just when your family & friends are around
Omoluabi!

Tea Time with African Seniors is a monthly event where Seniors can socialize, share their stories, learn new skills, play games, eat or just hang out. Taking place every second Saturday of the month from 12-3:00pm at the Caribbean Centre on Central Ave. in Windsor. This month, the activity took place on August 11, 2018 at the same place and time.

The event was led by Mrs. Abiola Afolabi and discussed many points. The first topic of discussion was the Omoluabi newspaper, specifically a reminder about the importance for the elders to provide answers for the ‘Ask the Elders” questions from the youth

Next, they discussed the significance of voting elections. We must understand that the election is a delegation of sovereignty and a primary function that allows citizens to make their choice among various candidates. It also ensures that all citizens can participate either directly or indirectly in decisions that affect society. Elections can help clarify issues that need answers because candidates are obliged to present to the electors their positions on the issues as well as their plan.

All Canadian citizens have the rights and responsibilities of the elector because it reflects our traditions, our identity and our common values.
Following the election discussion, it was a pleasure to congratulate a member of the group who was proud to share that she had just obtained her Canadian citizenship.
The seniors had the opportunity to have special guest, Officer David Ethier from the Windsor Fire Department. Officer Ethier made a presentation on fire safety and emphasized that it is always important to prevent fires and this prevention starts at home. His presentation included gifts for the attendants and what steps to take to protect yourself if a fire breaks out in your building, explaining to the audience that, “Every fire is different, you must act quickly when you hear the alarm or discover a fire. You must always protect yourself from smoke.”

The classes offered for seniors such as the sewing class and the computer literacy class were also topics of discussion. Just like the youth, seniors can always continue their education and these courses are open to them. The computer literacy class takes place every Saturday in August at 10:00 at 800 Marion Avenue and the sewing takes place on September 8 at the Caribbean Centre.

The goal of the program is to bring African seniors together in a place where they feel most comfortable, anyone interested should come out and join. The next meeting is scheduled for
September 8, 2018 at the Caribbean Centre.

From the time parents find out they’re expecting, they are bombarded with parenting tips and information. But overtime, tips stop pouring in, people stop offering help, and parents can feel alone.

A Sound Mind, funded by the Ontario Governemt, provides a supportive environment where parents can receive help at every stage of their child’s growth. Providing counselling, community referrals, mediation and an opportunity to network, a Sound Mind is a nurturing environment that focuses particularly on black youth empowerment. At times parents can feel like they are the only ones going through a particular struggle and the shame of what they are struggling with causes them to feel isolated. A Sound Mind provides a safe, judgment free environment, where sharing is encouraged.

At the most recent gathering, attendees ranged in ages from youth under ten to the elderly. One of the topics discussed was how parents can stretch their pennies and provide for their families on a tight budget. This is one of many real life issues that people often feel they need to deal with on their own. All too often, the black community is afraid to ask for help in fear they might be judged and criticized. Eliminating the stigma associated with asking for help is what a Sound Mind seeks to do.

Guest speaker Ann-Marie Simpson, licenced therapist and Drug Addiction Counsellor, spoke about the importance of using resources within our own community. We have become too comfortable relying on information from the internet, instead of those closest to us, like family and friends, that may have years of real world experience and are more than willing to help. Simpsons presentation on juvenile drug abuse and its effects on the family provided valuable information on how to get ahead of the problem by maintaining a high level of involvement in your child’s life.

Parenting groups can fill a gap that parents may not even know they need. Not only do groups such as Sound Mind provide support and counselling for parents, but they also provide access to other valuable resources available in the community. Those interested in getting involved can email asoundmind@ncceep.com for more information.

As soon as you read the title of this article “Spoken words,” what comes to your mind? Quotes, historical figures, trust, honesty, etc. Well, I’m going to give you a thorough but not boring article on what spoken words are and what they mean to me.

When someone speaks to you and gives you a powerful message in which you decide to remember for the rest of your life, it becomes a spoken word. Famous quotes are Albert Einstein’s “Genius is 1% talent and 99% percent hard work” or “Don’t tell me how talented you are; Tell me how hard you work” by Arthur Rubinstein.

I’m sure you have often been told, “Tell the truth, it’s for your own good”. I suggest you don’t take that lightly, for those words were once spoken by many international and historical figures who have lived longer and know how it works in the world. As a young person, I too have been through a lying stage. If you think that those words were unnecessary well, you are WRONG!!! How many times have you gotten away with it? Very few times, right?

Now to give a little bit of a perspective of a younger child. I believe that spoken words for young kids could mean trust or keeping your word. As a child we have all been through a stage or phase. That’s why these words, spoken by your elders and or superiors, are for your own good, not theirs! We just need to all take the time to deeply understand what Spoken words truly means.

Now that I have very thoroughly shared my view with you, what’s your thought on spoken words? Share this message with others as to what you believe a spoken word is! Take the time as a young reader to really dig deep into this message. Don’t forget these spoken words that I too (not a historical figure) have spoken: “REFLECT ON “SPOKEN WORDS!”

Oro siso means spoken words. In the beginning, words were used in the creation of life. The creator of our universe used words to bring the universe to reality. I learned that without words, a thought can never become a reality. Using respectable words are traits of an Omoluabi and this means you have to watch your spoken words to people. Your words can either break you or make you. Chose your words carefully and appropriately. Speak with respect and dignity. Speak to reflect an Omoluabi. In conclusion, I want my words to reflect my character; I want to speak like an Omoluabi.

Words are very delicate because their impact can be either positive or negative. Words can also reflect your personality. I have learned that words are the greatest assets you have. I remember when we were moving houses, mostly because it meant that I had to go to another school. I was so worried about my friends and how to settle into the new school. My dad told me it was going to be alright. I came to the new school and felt I was not loved. The way I was approached by teachers and other students left me with a negative impact. Maybe people did not understand me, so I always felt bad going to school. This went on for awhile but overtime it got better. I began meeting other people in school who approached me with kind words and this brought back my self confidence. An opportunity came when we held a contest for student ambassador. I had to give a speech about why I felt I should be voted student ambassador. So, I put my speech together and told them how responsible I was and everything I was willing to do to move all students forward. I expressed myself through words and received so much encouragement and kind words from some of the students. Words are powerful; they should be used wisely and with caution. I became the student ambassador because I was able to use my words well. Words reflect Omoluabi. I speak responsibly as an Omoluabi, I speak with care and caution. I represent OMOLUABI!

Oro siso (Spoken Words) Words are powerful. Words reflect personality and tell a lot about one’s character. Your words are a mirror of yourself. You can build a reputation that commands respect by the words you use.
Omoluabi is a person who is soft spoken and address people and situations with caution and kind. An Omoluabi uses word to heal and not to hurt others, acknowledge not condemn, brings hope not destruction, and encourages not discourage.

As an Omoluabi you must speak with respect at all times and choose your words carefully because your words describe and portray the type of person you are.