The Weekly Peponi Post 03 November 2020

03 November 2020

http://www.peponischool.org

The Weekly Peponi School

Model United Nations Insight into The Model United Nations Page... 3

Mama to the Recue Charity

By Aarav Patel

Thai-style Cauliflower & Potato Curry

Page... 7

Page... 10

Living Your Dream

By Rianna N Shah (Shell) Page... 2

Recipe from Chef Silvester

03 November 2020

http://www.peponischool.org

Living Your Dream

By Rianna N Shah (Shell) My swimming career began at the age of four. I have loved swimming ever since I can remember. When I swim, it is just me and the water without any stress or worries. Competitive swimming is not easy. It requires a lot of time, effort and commitment. However, you do not reach your goals without sacrifice and hard work.

The day I received the letter confirming my selection to the Kenyan Team was the proudest moment of my life. In order to compete, I had to sacrifice the IAPS Athletic meet whereby I was a strong contender for the gold medal in Javelin because of my previous competition.

In November 2019, I swam for Kenya at the Cana Zone III Swimming Championships where four hundred swimmers from nine different countries participated. The Kenyan team stayed at Windsor Hotel for a week. During the first four days, we trained twice a day. In the evenings, we relaxed, played games and shared jokes. There was a lot of fun, laughter and formation of new friendships.

At the opening ceremony of the meet, we paraded around the Kasarani pool with the Kenyan flag.

This marked the start of the swim meet. Overall, I took part in four individual events and six relays.

On the 1st day, I had one event which was the first event of the whole competition. It was quite nerve-racking. On the second day, I had five events.

This was a very exhausting day, however as the competition went on, I became more confident in myself. Day three was the last day of the competition. I had four events which was tiring.

The whole experience went by so quickly that it was now time for the closing ceremony. Kenya did amazingly well and won the competition.

Even though I did not win any medals, this competition made me realise that if you dream it, believe it, you can achieve it. It also inspired me to dream bigger. The sheer joy of being draped in the colors of the Kenyan flag was a dream come true!

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03 November 2020

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Model United Nations Insight into The Model United Nations What is the Model United Nations? What is the purpose of Model United Nations? How do you become a model UN? Is MUN a waste of time?

Should I join Model UN? Does MUN help with college? These are among many other myriad of questions that pupils ask in regards to the program. Despite the obvious fear and feeble feeling clearly expressed in their body language and facial expressions, pupils who end up signing for the program do overcome their fears, walk out of the conference as confident delegates, and intellectuals keen to face problems bedeviling the present world.

Introduction The Model United Nation (MUN) simulates the activities of United Nations Organization and aims to build up the confidence and enhance the debating skills of all the participants. It allows pupils to immerse themselves into the world of the United Nations. In a broader aspect, it is more of an academic simulation of the United Nations where pupils play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned country.

The program is split into two. The East Africa Model United Nations (EAMUN) conference, which caters for pupils aged between 14 to 19 years, and the MSMUN conference, for pupils aged between ages 11 to 14 years.

For over a decade, Peponi School pupils (Delegates) have created a tradition of excellence at the two levels of the program.

Why Join MUN Both programs have evolved over the years to become excellent platforms for delegates to hone a number of skills including debating and public speaking, journalistic talents, leadership as well as providing an invaluable opportunity for pupils to develop their self-confidence. Pupils involvement continues to expand to include more and more delegates from not just Nairobi, but also from all over Kenya and the East and Central Africa region.

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03 November 2020

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Support for the Program

Executive Assistant

Support for both the MSMUN and EAMUN programs is offered by the staff at the UN headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. This support together with the growing popularity have provided the resources to continue to build up the activity and maximise the experiences of all the delegates.

At Peponi School, adequate support is provided by a team of experienced advisors who have successfully run the two programs for a number of years. Ms. Emily Litoro and Mr. Fred Matu coordinate the MSMUN while, Mr. Jimmy Carter Ogodo, Mr. Seoras Strain and Ms. Jackline Olembo oversee the EAMUN. Tremendous support also comes from the Senior Leadership Team, the School’s administration and parents.

The position is held by one pupil whose responsibility is to aid the Executive Committee and the Senior Chairs in their duties. The successful delegate transitioning from the senior chair position helps in fundraising, event coordination and general logistical planning.

He/she has the power to clip badges. Once more, worthwhile leadership opportunity is provided by the virtue of holding this position. Asiyah Shafi remains the first Executive Committee member the school has had in this aspired elective position.

Opportunities offered by the Programs Senior Chairs

Junior Chairs

The senior chairs assist the Executive Committee in some of their duties. Their main responsibility however is to manage the committee rooms during conference as well as assist in training junior chairs and securitaries. This position offers pupils a great privilege to practice organizational leadership and management skills required for the contemporary career prospects. Currently, we celebrate the achievements of Kian Patel whom voluntarily worked hard to scale up the ranks amid stiff competition enveloped in strenuous trainings, interviews and a rigorous examination process to acquire one of the closely guarded slots in this coveted position.

A Junior chair act as both a delegate and an assistant to the Senior Chairs. Each Junior Chair is allotted a time to manage and have a feel of a committee room alongside a senior chair. At all other times, they will act as normal delegates. We applaud Samar Ahmed for weathering a painstakingly training, examination, interviews, selection and elimination process to make it to this position.

Press corps These are our young journalist in the making. Press Corps are responsible for producing daily newsletters at the conference. They handle publication materials, creates the computer graphic design layouts and distributes daily newsletters to the delegates. This arm of the program accords pupils the opportunity to learn and explore the intricacies of the of journalistic world. Who knows, in future we could have journalist whose career were crafted, curved and shaped from the motivation and amazing experiences gained at this level.

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03 November 2020

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Securitaries The securitaries help monitor the behavior of delegates. They are responsible for assisting the chairs in the course of debate. They have a sound knowledge of parliamentary procedure and the conference proceedings to enable them aid delegates and advisors.

Rewards MUN Conference is a great experience that you have to feel at least once. There are many benefits pupils gain by joining the program.

Meet new people and new places A Model UN conference is a concentration of different nationalities from another city or all over the world in the same place for a week. In this opportunity, delegates will interact with new people. It is the chance for them to expand their circles of friends and enjoy a new place.

Model UN motivates pupils to learn On an emotional level, Model UN is a motivational experience. It’s fun to pretend being a world leader solving the world’s most important problems in 48 hours or less. Model UN activates a pupils’ imagination and creativity – activities that pupils are naturally inclined to do.

Pupils enjoy exploring new places, sharing common experiences with teammates and friends, and making new friends with smart and interesting pupils from other schools – which includes the best and the brightest from other countries.

Public Speaking MUN is a great setting where people can try to face their fear of public speaking. The chance to overcome the fear of public speaking is great because it supports delegates’ personal growth and triggers self-confidence. Indeed, every delegate remembers his or her first speech, the frightening sensation in the stomach, but also the satisfaction and the congratulations received at the end.

Become acquainted with global issues In this era of globalization, learning about the world is more important than ever. No matter what field or profession pupils enter, they will interact with people from different countries and diverse backgrounds. Problems taking place halfway around the globe impact our lives, our country, and our communities.

Pupils learn about the world as they prepare for Model UN conferences, represent countries other than their own, and present possible solutions to global problems in committees. Pupils also learn by meeting people from other countries and travel to places they’ve never been before. From the previous conferences, our delegates have attempted to solve emerging world issues in the Human Rights, Ecology, Economic, Environmental, Health, the Security Council and the Global Agenda Committees by researching, writing and presenting resolutions for debate.

Early in the year, Anders Rame successfully read a resolution on the Implementation of a 7-year Pilot Program in Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan that aimed at reducing sexual misconduct, predominantly against women and children located in the Zaatari Refugee Camp. Similarly, Sean Koome as an ambassador leading a delegation from Mozambique presented a resolution on Reducing Tax Evasion Through Tax Havens Focusing on the Cayman Islands clearly informed the conference how criminals and politicians use offshore nations as breeding centres for corruption by undercutting the law to launder money.

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03 November 2020

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Model UN reinforces what pupils learn in the classroom

Diplomacy and negotiation skill Respect and cooperation are the fundamentals of the debate. MUN teaches pupils how to be a good diplomat with an increase in a delegate’s diplomacy and negotiation skills. Lobbying sections opens up the conference through an informal forum where delegates try to entice other participants to support their resolutions in respect to their chosen subject of interest.

Enhance your leadership skills Participants develop confidence and leadership skills through experience. The conferences are opportunities to practice research, public speaking, teamwork, negotiation, and writing skills in a safe and structured environment. In order to work, the debate requires different people to fill different roles. As representative of a country, a delegate will make a decision as a leader.

In the classroom, pupils learn from their teacher.

At conferences, pupils learn from each other. The conference does not replace the classroom – the conference complements the classroom. pupils have to internalize what they learn in class and deliver that information through speeches, caucusing, and resolutions.

The role of the teacher in Model UN is to guide this “pupil-led” learning by ensuring information quality (e.g. proper research, position papers) and giving pupils the tools to teach one another (e.g. public speaking, resolution writing).

Feel the real UN conference goes through and have fun your social event!

Conferences are always fun. Delegates will feel the atmosphere of the real UN conferences goes through. Besides that, Every MUN conference organizes social events, which are an opportunity to have a good time with the people they have met.

Traditionally, the night before the closing ceremonies, the delegates always have lots of fun with enjoying the music and dance together.

Help participant get into a college or find a job Delegates have a chance to leverage their MUN experience and network to get into college and find jobs. Admissions officers and job interviewers look for examples of leadership, and an experience as a delegate or conference organizer will be good.

Pupils also develop a network of alumni from their MUN club and people they have met at conferences.

What many people don’t realize is that Model UN also teaches business skills – running a conference is like running a small business that involves finding “customers” (delegates), developing a “product” (the conference), and managing peers. It also serves as a fundraiser, with many high school conferences raising thousands of dollars at a time when schools are slashing budgets and cutting programs.

Jimmy Carter Ogodo Advisor EAMUN

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03 November 2020

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Mama to the Recue Charity

By Aarav Patel

The coronavirus pandemic is creating both a public health and economic catastrophe. But we cannot afford to ignore the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding out of sight. We have an opportunity to come together to support our people in this time of critical need. Now more than ever – for our front-line heroes, our most vulnerable neighbors, and our out of work hospitality workers and Mama to the Rescue was prepared to make sure that food is part of the solution.

During the summer holiday I sold masks and bags and with the money I raised I donated it to the Mama to the rescue charity. I raised just over 45,000 shillings which contributed to the total 4 million shillings Mama To The Rescue has raised.

As the crisis worsened, we needed to maintain the capacity to support our medical heroes, first responders and the homeless, with safe havens of food preparation and distribution. Hospital kitchens lost staff to sickness. An army marches on its stomach: Our police can no longer rely on their favourite neighborhood kibanda.

Then was the time to look after them — to meet the food needs of this public health catastrophe.

This challenge can be seen overwhelmingly, but we believe the most effective solutions are often right in front of us. They are the hospitality industry, because they like to take care of others, we now will do our part, cook for the many and pay it forward, help revive the economy while feeding and building our communities at the same time. In turn, farmworkers, food suppliers, and delivery workers would then be able to support their own families.

We find that under this hardship times a plate of food is never just a meal on a dish. It is a plate of hope: a message from the community that someone, somewhere cares.

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03 November 2020

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WILD PEPONI

Peponi’s Hedgehogs Since arriving at Peponi in August, I have made it something of a personal mission to document, photograph and photograph the wildlife that shares our site. I have been amazed at the biodiversity that is found here but I must admit that I already have a favourite species - the hedgehog.

The species found at school (as well as throughout Kenya and much of central and eastern Africa) is the four-toed or African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). Like other hedgehogs it is nocturnal, becoming active after dusk - when it will venture out in search of insects. Four-toed hedgehogs have also been recorded eating scorpions and venomous snakes, to whose venom they have remarkable tolerance.

Boarders returning to their boarding houses after dinner should keep an eye (and ear) out for these little mammals ‘snuffling’ about in the undergrowth. There seems to be a thriving population at Peponi - let’s look after them!

Robin Backhouse Teacher of Biology

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03 November 2020

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Kenya National Youth Orchestra (KNYO) Simran Raikundalia (UVI)

During these unprecedented times, I would never have expected to be able to perform in an online ‘concert’. On the 12th of August, I was able to interact and communicate with people outside for the first time ever since March! It was a wonderful experience as I had the opportunity to perform in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Kenyan National Youth Orchestra.

The online concert was quite challenging for the entire team, but it was successfully planned out into four phases. The first phase included the preparation and planning, and it required reliance on the performers to practise by themselves during their own time. The second and most challenging phase was the recording phase. Due to the restrictions on meeting prior to the performance we only had a day to coordinate, rehearse and record. After the recording, the sectional parts were put together and edited in preparation for the live YouTube show.

It was definitely an interesting experience because of the strict precautions that had to be taken and the frequent sanitising in between performances.

In addition, not being able to listen to a full orchestra and experience the powerful orchestral atmosphere was quite peculiar; our only means of connecting our music with other sections was through headphones.

Personally, one main challenge I experienced while recording was maintaining the correct tempo throughout the pieces.

Overall, this event was a success because of the careful organisation of video equipment and effective event planning while the players maintained in accordance to the regulations set. Despite the challenges faced, it was an exciting, memorable concert and simultaneously a much-needed interaction and break from quarantine!

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03 November 2020

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Recipe from Chef Silvester

Thai-style Cauliflower & Potato Curry Ingredients (Serves Four)

Method

450 g/1 lb new potatoes, peeled and halved or quartered

Bring a saucepan of lightly salted water to the boil, add the potatoes and cook for 15 minutes or until just tender. Drain and leave to cool. Boil the cauliflower for 2 minutes, then drain and refresh under cold running water. Drain again and reserve.

350 g/12 oz cauliflower florets 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped 40 g/ 1 ½ oz ground coriander ½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp turmeric 3 tbsp groundnut oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper 50 g/2 oz creamed coconut, broken into small pieces

Meanwhile, blend the garlic, onion, ground almonds and spices with 2 tablespoons of the oil and salt and pepper to taste in a food processor until a smooth paste is formed. Heat a wok, add the remaining oil and when hot, add the spice paste and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously.

Dissolve the creamed coconut in 6 tablespoons of boiling water and add to the wok. Pour in the stock, cook for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the cooked potatoes and cauliflower.

Stir in the mango chutney and heat through for 3-4 minutes or until piping hot. Tip into a warmed serving dish, garnish with springs of fresh coriander and serve immediately with freshly cooked rice

200 ml/7 fl oz vegetable stock 1 tbsp mango chutney Springs of fresh coriander, to garnish Freshly cooked long-grain rice, to serve

Chef Silvester

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I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.

Christopher Reeve

Read the Covid-19 response booklet https://issuu.com/peponischool/docs/covid19-response_and_re-opening_schedule

03 November 2020

http://www.peponischool.org

Peponi School on Social Media The Official Peponi School Social Media Accounts

Facebook www.facebook.com/peponischool Twitter www.twitter.com/peponi_school Instagram www.instagram.com/peponi_school

Youtube https://bit.ly/2YUrnl8

Peponi School PO Box 236, Ruiru 00232 +(254) 020 354 6456 +(254) 0733 615 139; +(254) 0722 287 248