Month: November 2022

5 Youth-led movements you should know about

Posted on by admin

South Africa has a long history of student movements and protests, going way back to the anti-Apartheid marches that paved the way for South Africa’s democracy. Youth Day is a commemoration of youth, power and unity. It’s also a reminder for how we, the youth, can change the world if we put our minds to it. We look back at June 16, 1976 not only to reflect on how far we’ve come, but to remind ourselves to keep moving forward. Here are some of the youth-led organisations that are carrying on with this dream.

ZA Youth Movement

ZAYouthMovement is a non-profit organisation run by a group of young South Africans. The aim of this organisation is to motivate the entire youth population of South Africa to be self-reliant, self-aware and self-starting in all aspects of their lives.

BRAVE

BRAVE is a youth-led organisation, which trains girls and young women from underprivileged communities to tell their own stories. What’s interesting about BRAVE, is that they do this through journalism and photography/film. It’s through these efforts that youth are able to access education, healthcare, economic empowerment, self-confidence, and safety.

Equal Education

Equal Education is a community youth-led organisation, advocating for quality and equality in the South African education system. This organisation focuses on understanding the education system, while drawing attention to problems faced by schools and their communities. Equal Education offers a new way to participate in a democratic system and bring change to education and society.

Girl for Girls South Africa

Girls 4 Girls is an organisation that focuses on women’s leadership in the public sphere. Their aim is to arm young women with the courage, vision, and skills needed to take on public leadership. Girls 4 Girls brings together insights from key leaders and a global mentoring network to empower young women to play a greater role in public service.

South Africa Women Fight Back

South Africa Women Fight Back (SAWFB) is a movement against Gender Based Violence (GBV), femicide, and human trafficking. The organisation aims to provide safe havens for GBV survivors to have a voice, share their stories and confide in each other.

What we can learn from the youth of 1976, is to keep on working as we have the potential to shape our future. These movements are just a few examples of youth striving for meaningful change. Which movement resonates most with you, Choma?

Remember, if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Youth Month: How your voice can break barriers

Posted on by admin

The youth is changing the future of our society. So, it’s important that society hears and protects the opinions of young people. Here’s how speaking up and using your voice can break barriers.

Decision making

Young people today are more empowered, more informed, and have the ability to have their voices heard more easily with the rise of social media platforms. The decisions you make today will directly affect you in the future. Being part of a program/movement in school, online or your community is the first step in becoming a decision maker. If you don’t use your voice, others will make decisions for your future and your life. That’s why it’s important to use your right to speak up and advocate for yourself, as well as your friends and peers.

Brings about change

Young people have the ideas, creativity and the energy to generate positive social change in society. Our generation knows how to fight for change. We have young people like Zulaikha Patel, who at just 13 years old, introduced the world to the power of her voice when she and her schoolmates marched against Pretoria High School for Girls’ racist hair policy. This movement not only changed the school’s hair policy, but also highlighted racism issues which are faced within schools.

Raises awareness

The purpose of youth activism is to spread awareness which then leads to action. Find a community online with which you share similar interests, and make your voice heard. Sharing petitions, joining campaigns, and organizing events for a cause you’re passionate about is all part of raising awareness. You can also spread the word by sharing content on social media or by organizing a peaceful protest. Campaigns such as Global Citizen’s campaigns allow young people like you to raise awareness and bring about change.

Giving young people the opportunity to be heard is imperative for our future. You have the ability to make a difference Choma- go on and make your voice heard this Youth Month!

Remember, if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

How to up-skill yourself these winter holidays

Posted on by admin

The holidays are coming up, which means you might have more time on your hands. While having all this free time is fun and it’s important to rest, it’s also a good idea to use some of this time to improve or learn a new skill. Here’s how.

Reflect on last semester

​It’s always good to reflect on the previous term or semester and your results, as this helps to set goals for the upcoming semester. You can do this by answering the following questions:

What did I do well in last semester?

What did I not do so well in last semester?

What skill can I improve on over the holidays to help me do better?

What will I do differently in the next semester?

This will allow you to assess areas where you can improve, and be more prepared to tackle the next semester.

Get a job

Working for money isn’t something you should focus on when looking to learn a new skill during the holidays. Work experience itself can be valuable, and will help improve your CV for future employment. Try looking for a job or an internship in your community or online. This doesn’t have to be in your field of study/career interest. A few examples could be a waitress at a restaurant in a mall, or a shop assistant.

Volunteering

The school holidays are a good time to give back. Find a cause you care about, and start thinking of ways to support that cause. This will allow you to expand your skill set and help boost your confidence levels. You can volunteer your time at a community-based project near your house or school.

Job shadowing

Holidays are a perfect time to shadow someone who’s currently working in your desired field. This will give you the exposure to see if it’s actually what you want to do- it’s also a great opportunity to ask questions and gain experience.

Online course

Online courses are convenient and bring education to the comfort of your own home. Most provide a certificate of completion, which is a bonus for your CV. You can visit sites such as Udemy and Google Africa for a list of online courses.

Start a small business

Starting a business may be difficult at first, but it’s a fun and exciting way to create employment for yourself. It’ll also keep you busy during the holidays. Why not try to sell sweets, wash takkies, braid hair or open a car wash in your community? Think of what you’re good at and use that to make money during the holidays.

Don’t let the winter holidays go to waste. While it’s important to get some rest, there are many things to do that’ll keep you busy. The activities that I’ve mentioned above will help you upskill yourself, and prepare you for the work environment in the future. Have fun!

Remember, if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

How to fund your small business

Posted on by admin

Starting a new business can be overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. From doing research, developing a product or service and creating your business plan, to getting funding. Businesses need finance for a variety of different purposes. Your funding options will depend on the type of business you’re planning to start, and how much capital you need. Here are 5 funding options to consider for your start-up.

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Business Funding

NYDA is a platform that raises funding for small enterprises in the country. They especially work with youth in South Africa. This grant program provides young entrepreneurs the opportunity to get financial and non-financial support for the development of their businesses. Part of the non-financial services they provide includes mentoring, co-operative development, business management, and consultancy services. You can start the process here.

Angel investors

Angel investors, also called private or informal investors are also good options for funding your business. They provide favourable and flexible funding terms, when compared to other lenders. You can connect with Angel investors here.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is one of the newer and more modern ways of funding your business. This can be done through crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe where you can create a campaign, set a goal for how much money you want to raise in a specified time, and ask people to pledge certain amounts to your cause.

Bank loans

Most banks offer start-up capital/loans to entrepreneurs. Banks give out the loans at a specified interest rate that must be paid back according to the agreed rate. Visit your local branch to find out more about the requirements and how you can benefit from these opportunities. Just don’t forget to read the fine print, Choma. 

Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA)

The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) provides business loans to small and medium sized companies. You can visit SEFA to apply and get funding for your business. 

Getting funding isn’t an easy process but don’t give up. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs have failed in their first missions. What’s important is that you plan your business and finances carefully. Good luck!

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

What is stress smoking?

Posted on by admin

Stress is a part of our everyday life, and we all have ways of coping with stress. Some of these ways are positive, while others can be negative. Smoking may seem as an easy way to cope with stress, but it isn’t a long-term stress reliever, nor is it a healthy way to deal with stress. Here’s more.

Smoking to deal with stress

Some of us may smoke as part of self-medication, to ease feelings of stress. Although smoking creates an immediate sense of relaxation, it can actually increase anxiety and tension in the long run. Stress smoking is not only bad for our health- it can also give way to withdrawal symptoms and increased cravings.

Signs of stress smoking

When a person smokes, nicotine reaches the brain within ten seconds. At first, this improves mood and concentration, decreases anger and stress, relaxes muscles and reduces appetite. However, this can result in withdrawals, making smoking a part of your daily routine. This can lead to long-term health conditions, and even addiction. If you find yourself smoking to relive stress, you may be a stress smoker.

How to quit stress smoking

The best way to quit stress smoking is to identify your stress triggers, recognise your smoking trigger (what causes you to smoke), and replace this habit with a healthier coping mechanism. This may be difficult to do at first, but it’s possible with willpower and support from family and friends. 

Smoking triggers can include: going to a party/club where it’s common to smoke, having friends/family that smoke or constantly having cigarettes or lighters near you. It’s important to avoid such situations where possible.

Smoking is only a temporary solution for handling stress. The only way to truly control stress is to identify what causes the stress and controlling the way you react to stressful events and situations, which includes adopting healthier coping mechanisms.  If you or someone you know wants to quit smoking, you can contact Narcotics Anonymous on 0861006962 or visit your nearest pharmacy for tools that can help you.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Becoming financially independent

Posted on by admin

Being financially independent means that you’re completely responsible for your own expenses, or no longer rely on your guardian/partner to give you money or cover some of your bills. Financial independence can mean different things to different people, but it’s important for us girls to work towards being independent and empowered to make our own life decisions. Here’s how.

Assess yourself

Learning about ourselves isn’t always easy. But the more you know about yourself, the better decisions you’ll make about your lifestyle. Start by evaluating your skills and achievements. This can help you decide on ways to make income, such as finding a job (part time/full time) or starting a business.

Examples of part-time jobs could be a shop assistant, waitress or a part-time bank teller, to name a few. Also, working part-time will look good on your college/university application and future job applications.

Set financial goals

Writing down your life goals and how you’ll achieve them financially is a good step. This includes re-writing and reviewing your short- and long-term goals consistently, and thinking of ways to accomplish them. For example, short-term goals can be focusing on debt payment and a long-term goal can be budgeting towards a house or car. It’s important to be patient when reviewing your long-term goals.

Deal with debt

Unfortunately, you can’t get financial freedom while you’re in debt, Choma. There are many ways to plan how you’ll pay off your debts, such as these ones. You can also contact a debt counsellor to assist with managing your debt.

Draw up a budget

Budgeting is a must. It can help you control your spending, track your expenses, and save more money. Budgeting can also help you make better financial decisions, prepare for emergencies, get out of debt, and stay focused on your long-term financial goals.

Try not to be too hard on yourself when trying to stick to your monthly budget, because there may come a time when you may need to tap into your savings for something important.

Start saving now

Financial planners always say it’s important to save 10% of your income for future needs, for emergencies, and to have something to fall back on when needed. Saving isn’t easy, and requires a lot of discipline to stay on track, but it’s the single most important habit that’ll change your life. It doesn’t matter how much you earn; putting a portion aside will start building your savings. Learning to save early in life will help you achieve your goals much quicker, and get you financially independent.

Be disciplined

Although it’s a good idea to have some spending freedom now and then, having financial discipline allows you to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy spending. Automating your savings helps you avoid the temptation to spend your money on things you don’t need. You can talk to your bank about automating your savings. 

Organising and planning our finances is vital. We need to have a healthy relationship with money so we can be mindful of where our income goes, and also be able to plan for the future. Following these simple tips will help you become more financially independent. Do you have any other tips? Share them in the comments!

Remember, if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Vaginal Discharge: When to see a Doctor

Posted on by admin

Vaginal Discharge: When to see a Doctor.

Did you know that there are different types of vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is completely normal, and is a natural way of the vagina cleaning itself, and it differs from person to person. While most types of discharge are normal, some may indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment. Vaginal discharge comes in different colours and consistencies. Here’s more. 

The different types of discharge

White

This type of discharge is normal, it usually happens at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle. However, if the discharge is accompanied by itching and has a thick, cottage cheese-like consistency or appearance, you may need to see a healthcare provider, as this type of discharge may be a sign of a yeast infection.

Clear and watery

A clear and watery discharge is normal. It can occur at any time of the month. It’s usually common after heavy exercise or physical activity.

Clear and stretchy

Clear and stretchy like consistency discharge is also normal. The discharge is clear or off white in colour, but rather than a watery consistency, it is stretchy and mucous-like. This is usually a sign of ovulation.

Reddish brown

Reddish brown discharge usually occurs before and after your period. This is a natural way of your vagina cleaning itself, after menstruation. The brown discharge before your upcoming period is normally blood from your last period. Blood that remains in your uterus after your period can turn a brownish colour and can appear at the end of your period.

Sometimes early in pregnancy, you may have brownish discharge at the time your period would normally come. If you’ve had unprotected sex and notice this sudden change you should consider taking a pregnancy test or visiting a healthcare provider. 

Yellow or green

This type of discharge is not normal and it’s usually a sign of an infection that is commonly spread through sexual intercourse. The yellow-green discharge is thick, chunky, or accompanied by an unpleasant smell.

Yellow green vaginal discharge may also indicate other conditions, such as a Yeast Infection or Bacterial Vaginosis, which is an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina.  Poor vaginal hygiene habits, can also be a cause.

When to see a doctor

If your discharge is accompanied by any of these symptoms, you should consider seeing a healthcare provider.

Itching

Pain

Thick, cottage cheese texture

A strong, fishy-like smell/odour

Burning sensation while peeing

Frothy/foamy texture

Vaginal bleeding

Swelling

Gray discharge

In most cases, vaginal discharge is a completely normal way of our bodies “cleaning itself”. However, it’s important to be aware of discharge that’s accompanied by any of the symptoms I mentioned above, which can be a sign of infection or poor hygiene habits. If your discharge changes significantly in colour, consistency, amount, or smell, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.

Remember, if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Choma queens: 5 queens embracing skin positivity

Posted on by admin

It’s important for us to embrace our skin with all its imperfections. We need to encourage ourselves to re-think and cut out the shame that comes from having what society considers less-than-perfect skin. Here are 5 queens who openly share their journeys and are embracing their skin. Why not give them a follow?

Monique Schreiber

Image via Standard

Monique Schreiber is a Social Media Specialist who’s all about normalising acne. Her goal is to build a positive community for people with acne, to feel more comfortable in their skin. She encourages her users to mentally and emotionally embrace their acne, and love their skin for everything that it is.

Kgothi “Iman” Dithebe

Image via Zalebs

Kgothi Dithebe is a bright young talent- a law student, model, and a 2019 Miss South Africa top 5 finalist who has a unique facial birthmark that extends over her hairline. Her birthmark is the result of a condition called vitiligo. She believes her birthmark has taught her how to be resilient in life. Today, she motivates girls all over the world to love themselves; breaking down outdated standards, and revolutionising the beauty industry.

Michelle Mosalakae

Image via TRUELOVE

Michelle Mosalakae is a well-known actress and ambassador. She has a skin condition, called Albinism. Michelle chooses to see her skin condition as a strength and never a limitation.  Michelle is also the first Revlon ambassador with albinism. She has since challenged beauty brands and companies’ views on the notion of beauty.

Zoliswa Mbadu

Image via Twitter

Digital influencer, model, and fashion designer, Zoliswa Mbadu has never felt the need to hide her freckles as she feels they’re what makes her unique. She draws strength from the women in her life who embrace their own natural beauty.

Lesego “Thickleeyonce” Legobane

Image via instagram

Plus-size model, photographer, and digital content creator, Thickleeyonce is all about spreading positive vibes. She feels that every part of our bodies are worthy of being embraced and loved- whether it be scars, acne, stretch-marks or cellulite, reminding us that they’re normal.

These 5 queens remind us that skin positivity isn’t about changing the appearance of your skin- it’s about changing the way you see and embrace it. Let’s start loving the skin we have!

Remember if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Preparing for mid-year exams

Posted on by admin

Preparing for mid-term or final exams can be very overwhelming. However, there are ways to get us through exam season with less stress and anxiety. Here’s how you can be better prepared for exam season.

Review class notes daily

It’s important to keep up with readings and take notes in class- this makes preparation much easier, rather than cramming everything a few days before your exam. A good approach is to review your class notes every day. Creating summaries, mind maps, graphs, and charts can also help. This will also allow you to ask questions on topics/subjects you need extra help with, in advance. Dedicating between 30-90 minutes every day, reviewing what you learned in class and making notes, will ensure you’re better prepared when it comes to exams.

Know the structure of the test

It’s also a good idea to know the structure and academic weight of your upcoming exam/s, and you should not hesitate to ask your teacher/tutor about this in advance. Depending on whether it’s multiple choice, short answer, essay format or a mixture of all three, it will help determine how you should go about preparing you for the exam. This will allow you to schedule your time wisely, so you know which sections to direct your focus towards.

Take a practice test

A good way to test if you understand the work is to do practice tests. This can involve doing past papers or activity sections from your textbook. Testing your knowledge as part of exam preparation, will allow you to identify your strong and weak areas, which you can improve on. Remember to consult with your teacher/tutor on anything you don’t understand.

Create a study group

A group study session is also a great way to review and compare notes, ask each other questions, explain ideas and discuss the coming exam. Studying with friends can also help keep you on track. Setting a specific day and time for study sessions can help with time-management. Although you can be easily distracted when studying with friends, try to keep the focus on studying.

Rest is important

Although cramming the night before sounds like a good idea, it’s actually bad for your health and can lead to a burnout or blank out during the exam. It’s important to rest and get proper sleep before any exam. While resting, you’re allowing your brain to process all the information you’ve learnt. Getting enough sleep will also ensure you don’t feel tired during your exam.

It’s also important to take frequent breaks while studying. Take a 5–15-minute break for every hour of studying. Taking study breaks will help you retain the information and can improve overall focus and attention.

Preparing for exam season doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stressful, it just involves putting in a little extra time and effort each day. Following the tips I’ve mentioned above, will ensure you go into your next exam with confidence.

Remember, if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).

Dealing with termination grief

Posted on by admin

Every woman has the right to choose whether they would like to become a mother or not, and this decision is based on many factors, which include not being financially independent, bad timing, issues with their partner, and not being prepared.

The decision or need to terminate an unplanned pregnancy may not be an easy one for you to make. While some may feel relief at having made the right choice, it’s also normal to experience a range of emotions or feelings before and after. Here’s how to deal with termination grief.

You have the right to grieve

Whether it took place one month ago or years ago, the emotional response to termination differs from one person to the next. People can experience the following feelings:

Guilt

Anger

Shame

Remorse or regret (it’s also normal for regret to be combined with a sense of relief)

Loss of self-esteem or self-confidence

Feelings of isolation and loneliness

Sleep problems and bad dreams

Relationship problems

Relief (it’s normal to feel relief after terminating an unplanned pregnancy)

Thoughts of suicide

The important thing to remember is that our experiences will all be different. You can and are allowed to feel grief and feeling any of the emotions I mentioned above is part of the grieving process. Give yourself as much time as you need to heal.

Forgive yourself

The first step is to forgive yourself. Unfortunately, we live in a society that judges women for choosing what we want to do with our bodies and often, this is the reason why some of us struggle to forgive ourselves, after the decision to terminate. It may help to speak to others who have gone through the same experience. You can find support groups online.

Consider counselling

Counselling provides a safe, non-judgmental space for you to discuss your thoughts and feelings with a professional. Counselling will ensure you get the necessary support you need, especially if you’re not comfortable sharing your feelings with friends and family. Your counsellor can also give you practical tips to help you deal with your loss. You can get free counselling by reaching out to Lifeline at 0861 322 322.

Coping mechanisms to avoid

If you find yourself engaging in destructive behaviours, such as alcohol and drug abuse as a means of coping with grief, it may be a good idea to reach out to SADAG Substance Abuse 24hr helpline at 0800 12 13 14 or SMS, 32312. You can also contact SANCA at 011 836 2460.

Finding help

To process the emotions surrounding termination, the support and interventions might differ. It’s a good idea to be open to getting support and intervention. Here are some organisations you can reach out to for support:

Lifeline offers 24hr grief, bereavement and loss counselling and support on 0861 322 322. You can also call to set up a face-to-face counselling session, between 08h00 – 16h00 Monday to Friday.

SADAG offers free counselling services, 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm.  You can contact them on 0800 21 22 23. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to SADAG on their crisis line at 0800 567 567.

There’s no right or wrong way to grieve, and you may experience a whole range of feelings at once. No matter what kind of emotions you experience, they’re entirely valid. Grief is completely normal and can be difficult to cope with on your own. Don’t feel afraid to reach out for support. Be kind to yourself and take all the time you need.

If you or a friend need someone to talk to, you can speak to me for advice or help here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).