 Last week the world celebrated a very important day; Universal Children’s Day. This day is dedicated to the rights of children around the world, especially to those who live in countries where they are deprived of their liberty. Every child deserves the right to life, to health, to education and to play, as well as the right to family life, to be protected from violence, to not be subjected to discrimination, and to have their views heard. In honor of this special day, Cheza Nami would like to dedicate a Thanksgiving blog post to how children in other countries celebrate Thanksgiving. Last year Cheza Nami wrote about the Homowo Harvest festival celebrated in Ghana. What a unique and colorful festival! There are however some other countries where families get together at fall (autumn) and share different foods and gifts with family, in their own country’s version of Thanksgiving. The Patron Saint Nicholas visits EuropeOn the night of the 5th November the spirit of Saint Nicholas; the Patron Saint of Children, wanders through Germany, Austria, Belgium and Switzerland. Wearing a bishop’s robe and carrying his staff, St Nicholas is accompanied by his devil-like accomplice called Krampus, who likes to tease and frighten children.
The Moon Festival in ChinaIn China and other parts of Asia a festival falls on the day of year when the moon is at its roundest and brightest! This is the Mid-Autumn Festival, called the Moon Festival. This tradition comes from the ancient Chinese who observed that the movement of the moon had a close relationship with changes of the seasons and agricultural production. To express their thanks to the moon and celebrate the harvest, they offered a sacrifice to the moon in autumn. Today children and their families gather to appreciate the bright full moon and feast on a Chinese delicacy called moon cakes. Moon cakes have a rich, thick filling made from red bean or lotus seed paste that is surrounded by a thin crust and may contain yolks from salted duck eggs. Moon cakes are usually ornately decorated. Sometimes they have an imprint on top consisting of the Chinese characters for "longevity" or "harmony".
The Persian Festival of AutumnAt the beginning of autumn, on 8th October, Persian countries like Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq etc. celebrate “Mehregan”, also known as the Persian “Thanksgiving” Festival of autumn. Traditionally, this ancient festival celebrates the harvest and the food it provides for winter, as well as nature and the creation of the world dedicated to the Persian Goddess Mehr. Her name, which is also referred to as Mithra, signifies love, friendship, understanding, knowledge, compassion and unity. Symbolic dishes decorate the family dinner table on this day like pomegranates, wheat and barley. Wholesome food like meat, vegetables, nuts and sweets are part of the Mehregan feast. A colorful table is set and the tablecloth edges are lined with the herb marjoram. A religious book is placed on the table with a mirror and a type of eye make-up. A few other symbolic items like silver coins and rosewater adorn the table while frankincense is burnt.  The family prays in front of the mirror and then rubs the eye make-up around their eyes as a good omen. Handfuls of marjoram, lotus and plum seeds are thrown over each other’s heads while family members embrace each other. In the evening the festival continues with bonfires and fireworks and celebrations. Cultural traditions and holidays are one of the cornerstones of our childhood memories. To children all over the world, we wish you and your family happiness, laughter and warmth over this time, however you may be spending it!
Author: Donna Van Wyk SEO Copywriter at DigiGal Marketing
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2014 was a remarkable year of growth and impact for Cheza Nami Foundation. We serviced over 7000 individuals and provided over 30 different programs. Click to download the 2014 report and read our letter from the Founder as well as see our 2014 Highlights   Local Bay Area non-profit organization Cheza Nami, is excited to present its 2nd annual Diversity and Cultural Awareness Camp to Pleasanton. The camp will be at Amador Valley High-School’s multi-purpose room and run from July 27th – July 31st, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. The camp will introduce students to cultural diversity through performing and visual arts which includes African dance, African drumming, and crafts. Exposure to different cultures fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of other members in the community and helps enable diversity awareness, which allows our youth to become more responsible and respectful citizens. Cheza Nami will provide and artistic platform through global education of African art and culture for all campers. “We are seeing the community rally around this idea of global citizenship and cultural diversity. Students are eager to engage in cultural activities beyond their own and are excited to share their individual cultural backgrounds as they contribute to their global village” states Catherine Ndungu-Case, Founder and CEO of Cheza Nami. This innovative camp will be hosted in partnership with the Pleasanton Unified School District with funding made available through the City of Pleasanton and The Clorox Company. To register for Cheza Nami’s Diversity Camp or for more information, visit the Camp page. Scholarships for need based students available to qualified students. Please visit website for more information. or
About Oumou:Oumou Faye is from Dakar, Senegal where she started dancing before she could walk. She is known for her grace and joy in movement. She is a patient and clear teacher. She now lives in Santa Cruz with her husband Mbor Faye (who drums for her classes) and her two children, Coumba and Seyne. They hold weekly popular classes there and also share their art beyond leading dance classes throughout the greater Bay Area. Check out this video clip for a glimpse at one of her classes: Original source: Zambia Tourism, Photos: Soul Bird and Zuid-Afrikahuis., Art: Larry Norton
The Legend of Nyami Nyami and Kariba dam In the 1940’s colonialists decided to build a huge dam wall on the Zambezi River. The location of it however meant the Tonga people, who had been living on the banks of the Zambezi River for decades, would be forced to relocate from their tribal lands. Also, what the colonialists didn’t know was that the location of this dam wall would be at the Kariba rock – home to the Nyami Nyami. The Tonga prayed to their Nyami serpent god to stop the dam from being built. However eventually the Tonga were forced to leave their homes and in 1956 construction on the Kariba dam wall begun.  Present day Tonga village - living very much like they have been for decades. Photo by Soul Bird (http://soulbird.typepad.com) The once-peaceful valley of the Tonga exploded with building machinery. Precious trees were cut down to build houses for laborers. Roads were laid to the site and workers poured in to begin construction on the wall. It looked like all was lost for the Tonga people. But a year later the Nyami Nyami decided to strike! By this time the construction of the dam wall was well underway. As the rainy season approached rain fell and fell and fell, until the Zambezi River flooded. This was in fact one of the worst floods in about 100 years! The water level raised by about 100 feet. The river rushed down the gorge and destroyed part of the wall, equipment and roads leading to the site. Around 86 workers were washed down the river and drowned.  Kariba Dam with lake forming in the background. 22 June 1959. Photo: Zuid-Afrikahuis. The Tonga believed the Nyami Nyami had caused this flood to avenge the colonialists from blocking the river and disrupting their village. Although the colonialists did not believe them, families of the missing workers asked the Tonga for help to find the bodies. The Tonga suggested a sacrifice be made to the Nyami Nyami. So three days after the flood a calf was slaughtered and floated down the river. The next morning the calf was gone and some of the workers bodies were found floating in its place. The reappearance of the workers’ bodies three days after the flood, has never been satisfactorily explained. However that was not the end of the Nyami Nyami’s wrath. Before construction on the dam resumed, flow patterns of the river were studied to determine if there was a likelihood of another flood. It was ascertained that such a flood would only occur once every thousand years. But when the rains returned the following year, the river flooded with even more intensity, raising water levels by 10 feet more than the last flood. At 4 million gallons a second waters passed over the dam destroying the access bridge, parts of the main wall and the coffer dam. City dwellers had mocked the stories of Nyami Nyami, the river god but by 1958 the laughter had turned to chilled apprehension. Finally however the dam was finally built and opened in 1960. It is said that the Nyami Nyami withdrew from the world of men after this. However there are still rumors of its sighting... In December 2012 a peculiar article was published in the Zimbabwe newspaper, the Sunday Mail. Residents of a town near Kariba had seen a monster in the water which was over 650 feet long! Reporters said the creature took 45 minutes to cross the harbor area where it was spotted, in broad daylight. The paper reported on Nyami Nyami's "reappearance" as if it were entirely credible. Although, some claim it was just a python. Today Nyami Nyami pendants are sold all over Zambia and Zimbabwe and adrenalin-seeking, white-water rafters believe that wearing this pendant brings luck and safe passage through the rapids!  A statue of the Nyami Nyami which now stands on the cliffs above Lake Kariba's dam wall. Author: Donna Van Wyk
SEO Copywriter and Content Strategist at DigiGal Marketing The Friends of Sironka Dance Troupe in East Bay February 2015!
The Importance of Cultural Diversity Programs in Communities ConcertsOur folk music presentations comprise a narration and slight introduction of the Maasai of Kenya. An entire concert presentation may last between 30 to 45 minutes. Each presentation is tailored to different age groups. The presentations are followed immediately by a 15 minute “Question and answer” session for audience. Workshops
Bead making
Song and DanceHeld in the school gymnasium. StorytellingThis has especially been a very welcome portion of our visits, to schools, especially by the very young! Batik ArtChildren are introduced to an art form that helps them learn how wax and fabric dyes can be used to create beautiful art works. ChurchesWe perform at Churches on a Bible based program of songs and dance. We do not ask for payment but are happy to be Blessed with a goodwill offering, and permission to sell our bead ornaments after the Church services.
Upcoming Public Events:
Friends of Sironka - Maasai Tribal Cultural Performance The "Friends of Sironka" perform traditional Maasai songs, dances and tell the stories of their lives together. The Maasai are a pastoral people who live in the Great Rift Valley of East Africa. As traditional cattle herders, their music, dance, stories and elaborate dress are integral parts of their cultural traditions. All ages are very welcome! Jambo! Livermore Library Civic Center, 11th February 2015 1188 S. Livermore Ave, Livermore. Community rooms A&B. 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Pleasanton Library, 14th February 2015 400 Old Bernal Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566 (925) 931-3400 Admission free: Suggested donation: $10 - 15/adult, $5/child/senior, $25/family. - Donations for the group's home projects will be gratefully received - See events on Facebook: Livermore Public Library: Wed. 11th Feb. 7pm Pleasanton Library: Sat. 14th Feb. 1pm Upcoming Public Events: Friends of Sironka - Maasai Tribal Cultural Performance The "Friends of Sironka" perform traditional Maasai songs, dances and tell the stories of their lives together. The Maasai are a pastoral people who live in the Great Rift Valley of East Africa. As traditional cattle herders, their music, dance, stories and elaborate dress are integral parts of their cultural traditions. All ages are very welcome! Jambo! Livermore Library Civic Center, 11th February 2015 1188 S. Livermore Ave, Livermore. Community rooms A&B. 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Pleasanton Library, 14th February 2015 400 Old Bernal Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566 (925) 931-3400 Admission free: Suggested donation: $10 - 15/adult, $5/child/senior, $25/family. - Donations for the group's home projects will be gratefully received - See events on Facebook: Livermore Public Library: Wed. 11th Feb. 7pm Pleasanton Library: Sat. 14th Feb. 1pm Performance description For the presentation at the Pleasanton Library, this group will do a dance and song presentation and give the community a chance to engage with the performance by asking questions about the Maasai Culture. The performance will share stories about their culture and how they are able to preserve their cultural practices in an ever changing and modernizing cultural setting.  Don’t miss this! Cheza Nami is bringing the wonderful Maasai Sironka Dance Troupe to the East Bay for performances February 1-15. Nicholas Sironka, the lead artist, and the dance troupe are known as The Friends of Sironka Dance Troupe. Sironka has set up a Kenyan Art and Culture Center in Spokane, where the dancers are currently gearing up for their East Bay tour. Sironka’s team consists of 9 male Maasai in full regalia and 1 woman. They also sing incredible gospel music, do bead work and can do workshops on request (1/2 day or full day). Book a program or workshop with Sironka African Dance!The Importance of Cultural Diversity Programs in Communities This is a unique opportunity for schools, libraries, or any municipality to contact Nicholas’ Bay Area partner, Cheza Nami Foundation, Inc, and book a Nicholas Sironka African dance or art program. Details of different workshops and performances. Please contact Cheza Nami for further details. About Sironka - Giving back to KenyaRegular tours by “The Friends of Sironka Dance Troupe” a Maasai folk song and dance group, have not only entertained countless numbers of students and the general public in the USA, but also greatly helped young Maasai men and women, who never went to school, get an uplifting of their lives and that of their families, through better health care, housing and education.
I have by God’s grace been able to win the hearts of many Americans. Their compassion has helped through direct sponsorship of over fifty girls and boys to high school, and another eight to University! - Nicholas Sironka With this support, Sironka has also been able to renovate a stalled maternity clinic, and dug two wells in the region.
Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for performance dates and venues! Author: Donna Van Wyk SEO Copywriter and Content Strategist at DigiGal Marketing Original sources: The Guardian, Courtesy of the Maasai Association, Photography by Reece McMillan.  Maasai in the village of Maji Moto, Kenya. Photography by Reece McMillan. When one thinks of the Maasai, an image that usually comes to mind is of a tall, strong man dressed in red traditional cloth, standing proudly over a vast African landscape with a spear in his hand. This is how the Maasai are often portrayed; warriors, hunters, a proud people holding onto their culture and roaming freely through the African wilderness. But just as important is the vast landscape that lies in the background of this portrayed image, namely southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Here they once lived in unthreatened harmony with the harsh African environment, relying on the two things they hold most dear to them: land and livestock. Working hand in hand, land and livestock has sustained them and their culture for decades… until now. Recently a good friend of the Cheza Nami foundation travelled to Kenya and spent some time with a Maasai tribe. In her beautiful photos throughout this article, you can see their colorful, traditional way of life, their strong character and you can feel their free-roaming spirit. They smile from their hearts. They take great care in their appearance and adorn themselves in brightly-colored traditional cloth and handmade jewelry. The young and old work hard on the land, keeping their family and fellow villagers fed. They make music, dance and celebrate traditional rituals. They hunt and fight off lions that attack their cattle. They live lives that we can only imagine really exist. This is the beautiful culture and people we would like to preserve.  Salaton Ole Ntutu (left) and his fellow elders at the Maji Moto Village. Photography by Reece McMillan. However the reality is that the Maasai are having the foundations upon which they live, taken from under them. After large chunks of land previously being taken from them for use as National Parks and Game reserves, the Maasai have already been struggling to survive off fewer resources. And then earlier this year the worst news came; the Tanzanian government was going to sell 1000 miles of land, evicting 40,000 Maasai Pastoralists from their homes and negatively affecting double that amount of people. Although the Tanzanian government has not followed through with the sale due to international opposition, this is not the first land eviction to take place. Throughout the last 50 years the Maasai have been forced off land to make way for National Parks, private Game Reserves and commercialization. Eventually, they may lose their rights, their land and their way of life. The changing lifestyle of the MaasaiThe Maasai are historically semi-nomadic, always searching for grazing pastures for their livestock, the backbone of their survival. They move from place to place, erecting huts made of mud, sticks, grass and cow dung. When required the men and boys of the tribe will sometimes travel far distances from home to keep cattle fed.  Maasai in the village of Maji Moto, Kenya. Photography by Reece McMillan. Everyone in the family has their chores. Women erect the houses, collect water and firewood, milk cattle and cook meals. Men are warriors in charge of security and when needed help the boys tend to the cattle. Young children go to school and do their chores following classes.  Wawi helping an elderly Maasai load the donkey in the village of Maji Moto, Kenya. Photography by Reece McMillan. Traditionally the Maasai culture had no need for material possessions. Their greatest value lay in their cattle and land. Their simple and yet balanced lifestyle once held very little need for money. However, now they have become more dependent on money to survive. They are having to buy more food, pay for children’s schooling and are relying on more modern means to survive.  Maasai in the village of Maji Moto, Kenya. Photography by Reece McMillan. Being a resourceful and proud people, the younger generation is taking to the city and becoming entrepreneurs. Today you can find various Maasai owned retail businesses. The importance of Cattle to the MaasaiThe Maasai put great value in their cattle and livestock. Livestock provides them with milk and sometimes blood which they drink for protein. They try to not kill their cattle for meat as their wealth is measured in the number of cattle they own.
Maasai Communal Land Management SystemThe Maasai constitute about a million people living under a communal land management system. This system should allow land resources to be used in a sustainable manner. According to their traditional land agreement, no one should be denied access to natural resources such as water and land. In times of a harsh dry season, they ignore boundaries and graze cattle throughout the land, ignoring section boundaries. However the communal land management system has benefitted some at the expense of others. Subdivision of land and land loss to game reserves and national parks has restricted the Maasai from accessing critical water sources, pasture and salt lick. Land size is being reduced for cattle herding, which in turn reduces the number of cattle per household and food production.
For more information about the Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp, please visit www.majimotomaasaiculturalcamp.com
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