Issue 1
Identity: Who do you think you are?
As Ghana celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence this year - an event that
symbolised the beginning of the end of colonialism in Africa - the BBC ask reader's
to explain their own identity.
BBC News website reader Moza Ally Jadeed describes how she sees herself
I am a Muslim woman.
This is a description that immediately comes to mind when I think of myself.
Covered in a hijab, you will readily identify me as such too.
Yet I bear a manifold of other identities: I am Kenyan, an African and a global citizen. Above
all, I am human.
I mainly identify myself as Kenyan when Kenya is participating in global events like sports,
conferences and educational competitions.
I feel very proud when Kenya triumphs in distance running. I always like thinking as a
Kenyan too when the country is debating on issues of national interests.
I am African because of my black skin.
Despite being plagued by many issues, this lovely continent has rich resources: the people,
the minerals and wildlife - just to mention a few.
I like focusing on her successes for I believe therein lies Africa's solutions to her concerns.
Traditional justice
I am a global citizen and I keep myself abreast with international news. Anything happening
in Europe, Asia or America affects me in one way or another.
With the guidance of my faith, I strive everyday to make this world a better place to live in.
I love and respect all. I interact with many. And I revere justice.
A big part of my day involves fighting for justice and making a difference in people's lives.
I feel great when I eventually succeed. I am a lawyer by profession.
Until April this year, I was working as a litigation lawyer in a private law firm. It is here
where I have fought for the justice of many men, women, children and corporations.
I am now trying legal consultancy. My first assignment has been to research traditional justice
systems on the Kenyan coast and how they afford justice to women.
Many find me different. They are right.
And as I accept their compliment with humility; I pray to remain focused on my mission in
this world.
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?
Issue 2
Climate change 'worries children'
Climate change is young people's biggest concern for the world's future, a government
survey says.
Some 24% believe it is the greatest threat faced, while 19% think it is crime and violence, the
Department for Education and Skills found.
Of the 1,000 10 to 18-year-olds questioned, 18% nominated terrorism and 12% said it was
lack of housing around the globe which concerned them most.
The study accompanies the government's J8 Global Citizen Programme.
'Not soon enough'
Under the scheme - designed to coincide with preparations for the forthcoming G8 summit children wrote communiqués on the world's climate and the challenges facing Africa.
Some 8% of those surveyed by the DfES said problems facing developing countries were
their main worry.
Mike Crompton, chairman of the Morgan Stanley International Foundation, running the J8
programme with the DfES, said: "Leaders of the world may be addressing climate change and
the challenges facing Africa at G8 but for many young people this has not come soon enough.
"The research and the school entries to the J8 competition show us that today's youngsters
believe they are part of a global community, not isolated from global issues."
Published: 2005/06/23 14:04:03 GMT