ROOTS

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	Reflections of Our Oral TraditionS
	Reflections of Mtima Solwazi \| Profile \| Reflections \| Evolution \| Face 2 Face \| Granny \| ROOTS

About the Newsletter Overview The mains points of interest of “ROOTS” include: To revive the lost oral traditions of our Ancestors; To sensitize the community of the need to continue this tradition; To provide a medium for the expressions of talented poets; To provide a medium for educative and informative reading. “ROOTS” is a bi-monthly revolutionary newsletter published regularly since September 2005 which serves to facilitate the flawless expressions of poets in an exercise of nation-building in pursuit of the shared vision for our nation. It does so through commitment to excellence and the reshaping of each individual’s values and attitudes to care for one another, for our country and the quality of the environment by the dexterous dissemination of approaches employed through control theory. Mr. Edward Alsworth Ross postulated that “belief systems, not specific laws, guide what individuals do and this serves to control behavior. These beliefs are the foundation of our social and psychological development which can insulate us from criminal impulses and our connections to our families which form social bonds that inhibit criminal action”. “ROOTS” has been supported and appreciated by a readership, both youth and adult, which has extended beyond our shores. “ROOTS” has provided an intrinsic form of motivation to our supporters. According to Brehem & Kassin (1996), “people are said to be intrinsically motivated when they engage in an activity for its own sake, out of sheer enjoyment without expecting tangible payoff for their effort”. Poems are welcome. Submissions are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. The poems in this publication are copyright and remain the sole property of the authors. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in part or full by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the Editor-in-Chief. Submission can be sent to: Reflections of Our Oral TraditionS, “ROOTS” 24 Queen Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad, W.I. or e-mail them to dspokenword@yahoo.com May the Creator bless this effort and make the task of reviving our lost oral tradition easy. Mtima Solwazi, CSW Editor-in-Chief Would you like a copy sent to you? Then e-mail us at dspokenword@yahoo.com Achievements Special Anniversary Collectors’ Edition Magazine. On Sunday 12^th, November 2007 “ROOTS” launched its inaugural Special Anniversary Collectors' Edition annual magazine on Cultural Xpressions, Islamic Broadcast Network Channel 8. Here we attempt to integrate into one collection all the issues of “ROOTS” from the previous year and at the same time incorporate sterling messages to our youth. “ROOTS” Poetry Slam “I Have Something to Say!” On Friday 11^th, January 2008 “ROOTS” launched its first nation-wide competition at the amphitheatre National Libraries and Information System Authority. “ROOTS” Poetry Slam began on Saturday 26^th, January and concluded on Saturday 26^th, July; it was open to nationals, both male and female 16 years and over. This competition is designed to encourage the youth, especially those who are unattached, to engage in meaningful activities designed to allow them to demonstrate a change in attitude and thinking and at the same time explore their undiscovered talent. According to Ryan et al (1983) “reward appears to increase effort and stimulate creative thought so long as it is not presented as the predominant reason for such activity”. Poetry Workshop Reflections of Our Oral TraditionS, “ROOTS” in collaboration with Arts-In-Action is hosting weekly poetry workshop at the Creative Arts Centre, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. Saturday workshops conducted from 10:00 am – 12 noon and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm is in preparation for Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival 2008 in Washington D.C. Workshops are expected to reconvene in September 2008. Brave New Voices – Benefit Concert Reflections of Our Oral TraditionS, “ROOTS” in collaboration with Arts-In-Action hosted a Benefit Concert on Sunday 6^th, July 2008 at the JFK Auditorium, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. This concert showcased local artiste and participants, some whom represented Trinidad and Tobago at the Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival 2008 in Washington D.C. All proceeds from this concert went towards this venture. Brave New Voices 2008 Reflections of Our Oral TraditionS, “ROOTS” in collaboration with Arts-In-Action afforded the opportunity for four adolescents to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the 11^thannual Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival to be held in Washington D.C. from July 14th to July 20th, 2008. Brave New Voices gathers, educates and showcases talented, dedicated and courageous young writers from across the country and globe. In its eleventh year, Brave New Voices creates a forum and community among an ever-growing number of youth who are returning to literature and reinvesting in education through the power of the spoken word. Building bridges across radically diverse ethnic, racial, gender, orientation, and socio-economic lines, BNV is for a generation of young people speaking for themselves; a generation documenting their days in journals, reciting struggles and successes on open microphones, teenagers transcending traditional stereotypes by speaking their truths and listening to the truths of others. This event is organized by Youth Speaks, in partnership with DC Writers Corps, Sol y Soul, The Creative Writing Alliance and the Hip Hop Theater Festival. Creative Energy Reflections of Our Oral TraditionS, “ROOTS” have been authorized by Inspirator International to co-publish, print and distribute Creative Energy Book of Motivation and Poetry in Trinidad and Tobago. “ROOTS” has also been authorized to distribute all products offered by Inspirator International. The image and logo of “ROOTS” is also authorized to be placed alongside that of Inspirator International as through their works they continue “Empowering Minds and Uplifting Youths”. Online Poetry Competition Reflections of Our Oral TraditionS, “ROOTS” in collaboration with Poets Society of Trinidad and Tobago is currently hosting an online poetry competition at http://poetssocietytt.blogspot.com. WYC? - What's Your Contribution? - DYP! - Do Your Part!
	About the Founder & Editor-in-Chief Personal Profile “A highly motivated, focused and dedicated individual with the drive to succeed, be it as an individual or as part of a team. I have been accredited with the ability to care for the less fortunate, under privileged and youth in our society. Willing to accept challenges and task as they present themselves, also reliable and hardworking. I enjoy writing and reciting poems. I also enjoy typing, writing, surfing the internet, lecturing and counseling. I am a fan of movies, theatre and music and I enjoy traveling and meeting people. I also have an interest in organizing and planning events and projects designed holistically to improve total youth development both educational and recreational.” Career History Present Spree Simon Regional Life Centre, Co-ordinator (2007 – present) Ministry of Education/Servol Limited Previous Adolescent Development Programme, Asst. Co-ordinator (2006 – 2007) Ministry of Education/Servol Limited Adolescent Development Programme, Instructor (2001 – 2006) Ministry of Education/Servol Limited Training Co-ordinator Leadership Training (2006) - Servol Limited Social Work Practicum (2005-2006) - Probation Department & Golden Grove Prision Adult Literacy Certificate Course (2003) - Adult Literacy Tutors Association Peer Education Certificate Course (2003) - National AIDS Programme/Rapport Course of Introduction to Poetry (2000) - Circle of Andean Poets of Venezuela & Islamic Resource Society Intermediate Islamic Studies Certificate Course (1998) & Elementary Islamic Studies Certificate Course (1996) - Islamic Resource Society Institute Volunteer Activities Present Reflections of Our Oral TraditionS, “ROOTS” - Founder, Executive Director & Editor-in-Chief Poets Society of Trinidad and Tobago, http://poetssociettytt.blogspot.com - Director Islamic Broadcast Network, IBN Channel 8/www.ibntv8.com - Cultural Xpressions: Presenter Islamic Resource Society - National Council Member & Co-ordinator & Lecturer: Intermediate & Elementary Islamic Studies Previous Islamic Resource Society - Director: Department of Youth, Muslim Youths In Action & Department of Publication and Propagation Laventille Youth Development Organization - Vice Chairman Muslim Credit Union Co-operative Society Limited - Education Committee: Secretary National Task Force for implementing the National Youth Council of Trinidad and Tobago - Treasurer St. George West District Youth Council - Acting Chairman & Vice Chairman Youth Training Centre - Religious Instructor: Imam Projects July 2008 - Youth Speaks: “Brave New Voices Poetry Festival”: Mentored and accompanied four adolescents to Washington DC to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the 11^th Annual Brave New Voices Poetry Festival from 14^th – 20^th July. January 2008 - ROOTS Poetry Slam: “I Have Something to Say!”: Co-ordinated a competition designed to encourage the youth, especially those who are unattached, to engage in meaningful activities designed to allow them to demonstrate a change in attitude and thinking and at the same time explore their undiscovered talent. October 2007 - “Stress Management”: Rape Crisis Society Advanced Counseling Course: delivered a power-point presentation to improve the knowledge/skills of persons providing counseling and/or support to survivors of abuse. March 2007 - “Qualities of an Effective Peer Educator”: Rape Crisis Society Peer Education Course: delivered a power-point presentation to train young male participants, ages fifteen (15) and sixteen (16) as Peer Educators. February 2007 - “Deviant Behaviour – A Scientific Approach”: Task Force: delivered a power-point presentation at a two-day retreat of the Task Force for the implementation of the National Youth Council. Youth Training Centre, YTC - “Regligious Instructor”: Conducted Friday prayers with Muslim lads at the Institution. Organized and conducted cultural activities with resident lads and occasionally interacted with lads in an effort to encourage and promote acceptable behavioural standards (2006-2007). Servol Limited - “Power-point Presentations”: Choose Your Skills Wisely, © 2007; Adolescent Development Programme, ADP, © 2006 & Self Awareness, © 2005 August 2004 - “Anti-Crime/Health Family Fair”: St. George West District Youth Council: co-ordinated event to enthuse our young people with positive values, using slogans that seek to demoralize the immorality that is crime. August 2003 - “Youth Ledership Training Programme”: Muslim Youths In Action: co-ordinated one-week workshop to prepare youths for the role of leadership. “Youth Vacation Training Camp” - Muslim Youths In Action: co-ordinated two-week camp to provide an atmosphere of learning through play. July 2003 - “Peer Education Training Programme”: Muslim Youths In Action: organized for Rapport to conduct an intensive course to equip youths with the necessary information and skills to be effective peer educators. April 2003 - “Check Yourself Poster” (featured in “ROOTS” magazine): conceptualized cartoon presenting youths with an alternative to negative choices. “Substance Abuse & Its Effects”: Muslim Youths In Action: co-ordinated one-day workshop to sensitize and provide the community with pertinent and correct information. January 2003 - “Walk for Peace”: Laventille Youth Development Organization: assisted in co-ordinating innitative to raise the level of consciousness of positive values among the residence of the Laventille community, with the hope of eradicating/minimising the high levels of social ills that continue to plague our community. December 2002 - “Know Your Islamic Country”: Muslim Youths In Action: co-ordinated inaugural Eid-ul-Fitr competition depicting the culture of Islamic countries world wide. October 2002 - “HIV/AIDS & STDs”: Muslim Youths In Action: co-ordinated one-day workshop to sensitize and provide the community with pertinent and correct information. August 1997 - “Common Entrance Awards Ceremony”: Muslim Credit Union Education Committee: co-ordinated awards function for children of members who were successful at the Common Entrance Exams.
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	"The Revival of Our Oral Traditions, Ensures the Continuance of Our Legacy"
Check out Mtima on IBN Ch. 8/www.ibntv8.com every Sunday @ 1:00 p.m. for "Cultural Xpressions" On Tuesday 12th August, 2008 in recognition of International Youth Day, the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs through its Project Implementation Unit held its 2nd Annual National Youth Awards Ceremony at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain. Reflections of Our Oral TraditionS, “ROOTS” received the award in the category Media Organizations: For media stations/organizations who have promoted positive youth development; For agencies who have developed a programme that provides opportunities for the involvement of youths to express themselves positively; and For agencies that have created print, electronic or digital materials which demonstrate support for young people and encourage worth and value. On behalf of the team of Reflections of Our Oral TraditionS, “ROOTS” we would like to dedicate this prestigious award to our Poets, Advertisers, Readers, Event Sponsors, Supporters and you our Facebook Members for your loyal and continued support in promoting our oral traditions. “The Revival of Our Oral Traditions, Ensures the Continuance of Our Legacy”
	Reflections of Our Oral TraditionS, "ROOTS" would like to say Thank You Reflections of Our Oral TraditionS, "ROOTS" had a very successful Season 1 of "ROOTS" Poetry Slam "I Have Something to Say!" and would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the following. The Creator – Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Ms. Jean Borneo – Director of Youth, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs; Mr. Naseer Racha – Director of Physical Education and Sports, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs; Mrs. Anna Sahadeo – Founder & Executive Director, Poets Society of Trinidad and Tobago; Ms. Debbie Goodman – Public Relations and Marketing Officer, National Libraries and Information Systems Authority, NALIS; Mr. Inshan Ishmael & Staff – Islamic Broadcast Network, IBN TV 8; Ms. Shirley Renaud – Manager, Woodbrook Youth Facility; Ms. Stephanie Skeete – Manager, Central Regional Indoor Sport Arena; Ms. Barbara Ince – Manager, Maloney Senior Activity Centre; Mr. Mark Augustus – Manager, Laventille Youth Facility; Ms. Cynthia Frederick – Manager, Malick Youth Facility; Ms. Lynette Noel – Head Judge, University of Trinidad and Tobago Lecturer; Mr. Salim Razzaq – Judge, Poet and Author; Mrs. Jacintha Williams (Tasleemah Zaafirah Muhammad-Ali) – Judge, Founder & Manager Women in Development Organization; Ms. Khadine Rouse – Judge, Former School Teacher; Mr. Brinsley Mc Kay & Sons – Sound System Operator, Inferno Sounds; Mr. Muhammad Luqman Abdul-Latif – Poet, RPS 1^st place winner; Ms. Anisah Hassan – Poet, RPS 2^nd place winner; Ms. Latifah Razzaq – Poet, RPS 3^rd place winner; Ms. Dinneka Richards – Poet, RPS 4^th place winner; Mr. Shawki Luqman – Poet, RPS 5^th place winner; Ms. Patrice Saxon – Poet, RPS Semi Finalist; Ms. Josanne Springer – Poet, RPS Semi Finalist; Mrs. Safiya Baksh-Hosein – RPS Poet; Ms. Nicky Williams – RPS Poet; Mrs. Hazel (Hadiyah) Cyrus-Solwazi; Mr. Brent (Abdul Kareem “Screw Face” Muhammad) John - RPS Host; Ms. Aleeyah Amanda Ali – Business Development Consultant; Mr. Smith – Police Officer; Ms. Rosanna Ramdial; Ms. La’Tisha Parkinson; Mr. David Boodram; Ms. Isha Wells – Poet; Mr. Larry “Mondezie 357” Mondezie – Guest Artiste; Mr. Nicardo “Charlie Bobus” Murray – Dub Poet, Guest Artiste, Inspirator International; Ms. Hayley Millington – Poet, Guest Artiste; Mr. Kendell “K9” Prince – Singer, Guest Artiste; Mr. Jabari Lynch – Poet, Guest Artiste; Mr. Brandon O’Brien – Poet, Guest Artiste; Ms. Francies Bruce – Poet, Guest Artiste; Mr. Brendon O’Brien – Poet, Guest Artiste; Mr. Michael Bruce – Poet; Guest Artiste; The Usual Audience; Family, Supporters, Friends & Well Wishers; M & A Nadur Company; Express Business & Women Magazines; Arts in Action – Creative Department; University of the West Indies; Islamic Resource Society; Panchayat; – I95.5 FM Mr. Mtima Solwazi – Founder, Editor-in-Chief & Poet, “ROOTS” & You. We anticipate your continued support and look forward to an even more successful Season 2. Thank You.