Wrapping up 2024! Reflections & Questions!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen 

As the year 2024 wraps up, it just might be a good idea to do some personal reflections to have a clear picture of the entire year and in order to carve out a better road map for yourself in 2025.

Here are a few things and questions which have been on my mind and I thought these might be helpful to someone else. 

.What has been your biggest achievement or accomplishments in 2024?

. What worked?

. What has been your greatest strength?

. What has been your biggest set back, weakness or challenge in 2024?

. What didn't work in 2024?

. Have you experienced any form of growth in 2024? 

. What are you most proud of in 2024?

. What has been your purpose?

. What surprised you most in 2024?

. What did you spend too much time or energy on ?

. What are you grateful for? 

. What did you appreciate the most ?

.What did you take for granted?

. Did I improve anyone's life this year? 

. How did you feel? Valued? Appreciated? 

. What has been your most fun moment in 2024? 

. What three words best sum up the year 2024 for you?

. What can you do differently next year?

. Where do you see yourself this time next year?

You know it is easy to feel excited about a fresh start to a new year! My view is that,  as one thinks of what the future potentially holds it is important to reflect upon both the good and the bad, the opportunities and the lessons from the past year. Taking time to do this can help one learn and do their utmost in the future.

Rural Women's Day 2024! What's at stake? By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

October 15, is often celebrated as the World Rural Women's Day. The International Day of Rural Women was created by the United Nations General Assembly with the aim of highlighting the role and situation of Women in rural areas. 

October 15, 2024 thus celebrates the pivotal role of rural Women in agriculture and food security. 

According to the Pan African Farmers ' Organisation ( (PAFO), Rural Women make up to 40% of the global agricultural workforce and they process 80% of agricultural products in Africa.  

This points to the essential role that rural women play in different communities in the domain of agriculture and the economy.

How then can we all support these women to overcome the numerous challenges and barriers that they continue to face in their quest to meaningfully contribute towards food security?  These challenges include; land resources; many lack access to farm land while others are limited by certain traditional norms and practices from owning land resources.Finance is still a challenge as well as the lack of seeds, farming equipment and technology.

These are just a few of the issues that rural women deal with in many communities worldwide. 

The world therefore needs to continue to support women by improving access to agricultural and financial resources, encourage their participation in strategic decision- making processes, strengthen their leadership capabilities through training and by building a more productive,  inclusive and equitable future for rural women,  where everyone feels empowered and ready to carry forward with the crucial role they play worldwide.  

Happy Rural Women 's Day 2024! 

International Evening 2024 @St George’s in Rome . I was a Volunteer! By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

It has been an amazing experience Volunteering alongside others, to successfully organise the 2024 International Evening at St.George’s.  

With a record high of 100 countries represented at the school , every effort had to be deployed by the Parents Organisation (PSG) to ensure a smooth and successful event. 

We began by brainstorming on how  we wanted the event to look like. We also put a draft plan in place and individuals volunteered to carry forward with different tasks. Planning the International Evening is often a huge task, given that it is often a heavily attended event whereby countries come out to show case their cultures, cuisine, flags, history, costumes, performances, and also carry out lots of activities while representing their countries to the best of their abilities.  For several weeks the team held meetings and networked with the school management and the wider school community in order to get the necessary logistics, human resources and the massive participation of parents, teachers and students. 

Helas! The big day came and everything was successful.

 

Countries stalls, were busy, a variety of cultures, cuisine, performances were on display.

People from diverse backgrounds turned out to celebrate and enjoy the evening.

  Clad in different costumes and traditional regalia Parents,  teachers and students showed up to be a part of the event and all celebrated in style and colours. 

The evening kicked off with the flag parade of nations and it was indeed a beautiful moment during which countries waved their flags as they paraded across the Oasis. When I took the microphone 🎤 to announce the start of the event,  I could see the huge crowd that had turned out for the event and it truly warmed my heart ❤️. 

I am happy to have volunteered my time, expertise, experience and knowledge to spearhead all communications and media aspects of the event along with my beautiful and hardworking friend, Alya .

Thanks to the community, the entire LS- PSG team especially The PSG -LS Chair , Co-Chair, the logistics , maintenance and finance teams and all Volunteers; for the great teamwork and tremendous effort we all put in, 👏 towards  ensuring a successful 2024 International Evening at St George's.  #Teamwork made the dream work !

(Italy showcase in picture)

Here are a few more pictures of the event. Below are some of the "African delegates" who came to show case their different countries. 

Above , USA 🇺🇸 represented. 

The Magic Show! By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Growing up my cousin Raymond used to treat us to magic shows especially during our Nkwen Students' Cultural events that were often organised during the third term holidays; as we called it (Summer holidays in otherwords). 

He was very passionate about magic, acting and often he tried to perform Michael Jackson's " Thriller ". Whenever Raymond was on stage,  it was often a sight to behold given thathe was a great performer at the time. We often spoke about his love for 🎩 magic and his determination to put his imagination and creativity to test at any given opportunity.

 Watching him perform as an amateur magician was always mind-blowing to me and many others ! I often left the hall with many unanswered questions. 

Even as an adult,  I have never truly understood how magicans go to such lengths to treat their audience with spectacular performances 👏. 

We went out to enjoy a magic show in downtown Rome.

The hall was quite full! 

The magicans held the audience spellbound with their thrilling performances.

The Master of Ceremony was equally great as he unleashed several 🎩 magical performances as the evening progressed thus offering the audience a good run for their money 💰. 

In a nutshell it was a good show 👌. A blend of magic, fun, laughter 😃,  music and joy ! 

I couldn't help but think of my cousin Raymond as I left the magic show. I asked myself what he would have become if he had pursued his passion for magic 🎩. Perhaps an international magican ! Luckily he pursued his education and today he is an accomplished technology engineer and expert! 

A Beautiful Postcard From Viterbo! By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Nature is beautiful!  On a rainy Sunday afternoon we set out to visit Viterbo. Look at what my eyes fell on! 

Isn't this flower garden breathtaking 😍? 

Then we found this beautiful vegetable and spices garden in the middle of the town as we passedby. I absolutely love the idea and shape of this garden.  

When in Italy there is so much to discover 😍.  Just opposite this area we decided to get a taste of "Crepe Nutella" . Watching the chef 👨‍🍳 do the "Crepe Nutella" in a typical Italian cuisine style was quite amazing 👏 👌 .

Our eyes fell on this place ! 

Oh my Goodness! We couldn't resist going inside to ask questions about the services they offer. Simply Wowww! My friend and I promised ourselves we would be back pretty soon to enjoy a spa day here. The range of things they do, the whole business concept is fascinating to say the least . Luckily the lady at the reception was quite warm and took the time to explain to us the different services that they do offer. 

Walking across Viterbo (Italy), reminded me a lot about some of the streets I recently visited in 🇲🇹 Malta. 

Perhaps even more interesting was the fact that in Viterbo one could see flowers 💐 almost everywhere given we are in spring 

Wow!

Beautiful roses! 

Enjoy my postcard from Viterbo, Rome, Italy 🇮🇹. 

Thank you Elsa, Chris and George Jr ❤️ for a wonderful day spent together in Viterbo! 

How Can Someone Say "Having Children Is Out Of Fashion These Days?" No way!

Welcome to my blog once more ! My name is Mabi Azefor Fominyen and I hope that you are doing very well! I came across something this morning and I was a bit puzzled so I thought of sharing it with you and to get your thoughts as well. I was checking the News Online this morning, trying to catch up with current affairs and some world events when I stumbled on an article where someone was saying that “having children is a bit out of fashion these days” . I thought for a minute and I said to myself……..is this for real? I immediately imagined what that statement would mean for some people who are currently trying to get children by all means. I am so blessed that I have children of my own and I love them to the moon and back ! That notwithstanding , a few thoughts and questions came to my mind ! Why do we have so many people in the world, trying to give out “lessons” to others instead of letting people make informed choices and decisions which best suit their needs, wants, realities, dreams , desires and aspirations? Generally, I tend to be very careful when I come across information online and perhaps I dare suggest that; you might also need to watch-out what you consume online as content. Sometimes there's just so much happening out there and people might have the tendency of projecting their personal choices as “the ultimate solution” rather than mere suggestions! Some information could be very helpful while others could be really toxic. We have to know how to decipher and make sense of the good and determine how much information we take into consideration. At times opinions have been communicated as though they were facts thus creating nuances and doubts on the minds of some people especially young people and children. In Africa (where I come from), children are cherished and loved by many. These precious human beings come into world with many cultural norms, traditional beliefs, values and significance attached to their birth and their entire existence. As such, growing up, many people look forward to when they will become adults, get married and /or have children of their own. Imagine a young girl/young man from Africa therefore where having a child means a lot to individuals, families and communities; reading through an article where someone vehemently states that “having children these days is out of fashion” without actually providing enough context nor giving sufficient reasons to back that information….this might sound a little awkward to that young girl or man from some parts of Africa As a mom and someone in the field of communication, I would encourage people to really have a good sense of discernment with regards to what they read online. In my opinion, this might determine how such information is processed and how it might impact someone’s decision. Yes, there is an abundance of information online thus making it easier for people to learn and increase their knowledge ! A plethora of opinions, write ups, news articles, channels, conversations and interviews to name but these. On a daily basis a wealth of information is displayed online! However, it is also vital to cross-check some of the information put out there, remember your needs and wants as an individual and avoid getting too excited by what you read or hear on social media . Pick up what is relevant and helpful , leave out the junk ! Thank you and please feel free to join the conversation in the comment section !

Setting Healthy Boundaries by Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Lately, I have been reflecting on how to set healthy boundaries in life . How would you know when it is time to set boundaries? Take a look at this article here. Here is another helpful piece I came across with regards to setting boundaries. My reflections and the search for more information on this subject further led me to this article here. I found it quite interesting and useful so I thought of sharing it. When it comes to setting boundaries , I have learnt that one can never really please everyone and that it is alright to say NO at times. Take a look at these hints, they might inspire you, if you are looking for ways of setting boundaries. If you are wondering how to better enforce your boundaries once you set them, then take a look at these tips here.How about this one right here! A beautiful reminder that setting boundaries means, caring for one's self! After reading extensively about this topic, it might be safe to say that defining personal boundaries , actually requires a good understanding of what boundaries are . Boundaries might include ; personal, sexual, emotional, generosity,pyhsical, friendship and relationships in general. Take a quick look at this . Please feel free to share your thoughts, ideas, opinions, experiences and best practices about setting boundaries . Let us continue the conversation here on this blog #Mabi's World! Thank you so much in advance! BOUNDARIES ARE NECESSARY! THEY ARE HEALTHY! I also came across this video about setting boundaries and I thought it was worth sharing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6CJtIk457g