What are kids thinking about on the first day of school? We ask them.
Younger siblings in tow who would be like their older brothers and sisters in just a few years. They all posed for photos and waited with friends to go into the school building.
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Associated Press
12 hours ago
- Associated Press
In Kenya's capital, a new Rastafari temple shows the movement's endurance
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — At a recent opening of the newest Rastafari place of worship just outside Kenya's capital, some of the faithful gathered to sing rhythmic songs, read Scripture and exchange teachings on the appropriate way to live. The rare event — opening a tabernacle made of wooden poles and roofed with iron sheets — illustrated the community's expanding ranks in a country where until recently Rastafari was not considered a legitimate religion. Things changed in 2019 with a court ruling in favor of a petitioner who cited discrimination when her school demanded that she cut her dreadlocks, often preferred by those who follow the Rastafari religion. The student's refusal to cut her locks had resulted in her expulsion from school, but the High Court ruled Rastafari was a legitimate religion that should be protected, a ruling later affirmed by the Supreme Court. A history of the religion Across the world, the faithful are known as Rastafarians, members of the movement launched in 1930 with the coronation in Ethiopia of Ras Tafari Mekonnen as Emperor Haile Selassie I. Rastafarians believe Selassie was the final incarnation of the biblical Jesus, and during his reign many Rastafarians made pilgrimage to the Horn of Africa nation. For Rastafarians, Ethiopia was a symbol of pride for its unbroken resistance to colonizers and Selassie was Jah, the deity. Selassie was removed from power in a 1974 coup by a military junta. He died a year later. But the movement inspired by his rise to power in Ethiopia survives in countries ranging from the United States to Ghana. A religious minority in Kenya It is unclear how many people identify as Rastafari in Kenya, a country dominated by Christians and Muslims. At least 30 Rastafarians came to the tabernacle opening in Ruai, some 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of Nairobi, last month. In Kenya, the movement is set up under three 'mansions' or branches: Nyabinghi, Bobo Ashanti and The Twelve tribes of Israel. The 'mansions' represent small groups of Rastafarians who meet to worship together. Unlike traditional places of worship that are housed in architect-designed permanent structures, a Rastafari tabernacle is built with wooden poles, roofed with iron sheets and decorated in the unmistakable Rastafari colors of red, yellow and green. Rastafarians around the world have a reputation for their unique Afrocentric spirituality, and they are generally known to be peace advocates. They oppose oppression and gravitate to music and art. The Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley was a famous Rastafari. There are challenges, including those that stem from misunderstandings about the religion. Across East Africa, Rastafarians are often stereotyped as lazy and indulging in prohibited substances like marijuana. Known to Rastafarians as ganja, marijuana is an important item in religious ceremonies. Rastafarians share their experience practicing the faith The community has been growing in Kenya, attracting mostly young people. Ng'ang'a Njuguna, a Rastafari elder in the Nyabinghi mansion of Kenya, describes Rastafari as not just a religion but a way of life. 'It is a spiritual way of life,' he said. 'That is why we connect with nature, we connect with animals, we connect with every living being because Rastafari is all about the spiritual world.' Fedrick Wangai, 26, is one of the newest members. He converted six years ago in what he described as his emancipation from Western religion. 'I grew up in a Christian setup and I ended up questioning the faith because it was made by the white man who was the colonial master of my forefathers,' he said. 'Growing up for me in that religion was very difficult for me because I believe it brought division to the Black people.' Christine Wanjiru, a 58-year-old who became a Rastafarian in 1994, making her one of the oldest members of her community, recalled that being one once was difficult as it often attracted discrimination and stigma. 'Back then, there was a lot of stigma and discrimination against Rastafari,' she said. 'Most people never saw Rastafari as a good thing or a spiritual thing, from family members to the government, the police, all round. But we endured and we are here today.' She added, however, that since then 'more brethren have received this light and have come to Rastafari.' Ng'ang'a Njuguna, an elder in the Nyabinghi mansion, says the movement has been growing largely because of interest from young Kenyans. 'They have that fire, they like how Rasta people carry themselves, how Rasta people live,' he said. 'Our diet, art and skills.' ___ Associated Press writer Rodney Muhumuza in Kampala, Uganda, contributed to this report. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
South Christian delays start of school after teacher's death
GAINES TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Rapids South Christian High School will not begin the school year Wednesday as planned following the death of an administrator, teacher and coach. Mark VanStee died Tuesday morning, the school said in a . 'It is difficult to put together any coherent thoughts or words at this moment. Please pray for Mark's wife and kids, his friends, his colleagues, his students, and our school community,' Head of School Aaron Meckes wrote. Sources tell News 8 that VanStee was the man killed in a crash in Grand Rapids Tuesday. In , police say, a man got out of a car, the car started rolling and he was then pinned between the vehicle and a tree. was an economics teacher, was dean of students and was the boys varsity golf coach, according to his biography on the school's website. His biography says he leaves behind a wife and three children. ''Every square inch belongs to him' is the statement that best permeates my faith walk each and every day,' he wrote in a faith statement. 'As a Christian, I find it impossible to not include a Reformed Biblical view each and every day into the most basic curriculum. Knowing Jesus Christ has already paid the price for our sins, I feel the freedom to go and do the work that He has called me to do.' The school says all activities scheduled for Tuesday are postponed and it will not hold classes Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
To the Mom With a Teen Who Just Doesn't Seem to Care
I watched my son walk to my car last Friday after school. I love picking him up; there's something about seeing him with his friends and the visceral relief you see in their smiles. It's nostalgic since I remember feeling the same way, but I love watching him and seeing him in a space different than the one he's in when he's with me and when he doesn't think I'm paying attention. My son doesn't care how he dresses and his room is a mess As he gets closer, I notice something smeared all over his white T-shirt. I have no idea what it is, but I'm sure he doesn't care. He slept at his father's last night, and as I ask him what's all over his shirt, his brother and sister chime in. 'He went to school like that,' they tell me simultaneously. Of course, I could say something to his dad about it and fault him for letting his son arrive at school in such a state, but I don't. I know how their morning went well because I've had many confrontations with him about his clothing if he's taken a shower or done his homework on time, and he doesn't care. Not even a little bit. It doesn't bother him if he walks into school with stained clothing, an oversized whitehead on his nose, or the same pants he's worn the last three days in a row. I don't understand it, and we had many throwdowns about this and other subjects at a very early hour. He keeps his room looking like a nightmare, and when I tell him to clean it up, it consists of him bringing down a sink full of dirty dishes and throwing everything else under the bed. He doesn't try hard in school He doesn't try hard in school despite being an intelligent kid who is excellent in math and science. At 15, I can't read his penmanship, and he doesn't put any effort into projects — he doesn't care. I've tried; I've taken him to counseling; I've loved him hard, and I've backed off. And then… There have been moments I've screamed at him, trying to get across how much I want him to care, how much I want him to live up to his potential, but it doesn't help. Nothing does. If your teen doesn't seem to care, you're not alone I'm telling you this because I want you to know that you aren't alone if you have a teen who doesn't give a flip about many things. I know so many teenagers out there are thriving and thinking about college and how many goals they will score in tonight's game, and then there's your kid. They are good and kind and can be sweet, and, of course, you love them — it's guttural and huge. But you wish they would care. You wish they'd shower more and not treat their room like a junkyard. You wish they would live up to their potential in school and play ball because they have skills they are hiding. You've tried it all, and nothing you do works, and it brings you to tears. You wonder if it's something you've done, if you've pushed too hard or not enough. But I have to tell you; it is not just your child. So many moms are feeling this way despite what they post on social media or what they see on the field. Those are snippets from a highlight reel; it's certainly not the whole story. I know my son has gifts; he's found a few but not all of them. I know he will in time; he's not ready yet, and I've realized I can't squeeze them out of him. I'm not giving up on him I'm not giving up; I've committed myself that I'd let him be because what I'm doing now, what his father is doing now, isn't working. We are both baffled; we both did well in high school and couldn't wait to go to college. Honestly, I wouldn't have been caught dead walking around high school in a stained shirt, and if my room looked like his, I'd cry. We raised him to be a good kid and a good adult; you have raised your kid to be a good human, too. I know you have. That doesn't stop because all our efforts are being blatantly ignored, but maybe we can give ourselves a damn break and realize we can't force them to care about things they don't. We want it to happen organically, of course, and I don't think it's going to if I keep shoving cleanliness, organization, working harder in school, and acne pads down his throat. My son is lovely. He doesn't skip school; he gets his work done by the skin of his teeth, and he takes care of me when I get sick since his father moved out. But he doesn't want to play sports; he couldn't care less if he was wearing clean clothes or has deodorant on or if all his friends are in the National Honor Society, and he could be too if he tried just a bit more. He lacks desire and motivation. My son doesn't care about many things right now, and if your child doesn't either, let's try and remember (together because I need support here) there are worse things. As his mom, I've worried other people will notice his nonchalant attitude and think it means I haven't shown up for him. Maybe you're worried about that too. Perhaps you are worried about it at this very moment. But mother to mother, let's let go of that thought and the fact they could be doing so much more with their life right now despite our support and our nagging and focus on the positive things they bring to the table because there are many. Please know, though, you aren't alone; your child is not alone, and I feel they will be just fine. The writer wishes to remain anonymous. More Great Reads Mom and Dad, Please Stick With Me SaveSave SaveSave The post To the Mom With a Teen Who Just Doesn't Seem to Care appeared first on Grown and Flown. Solve the daily Crossword
