VLISCO AMBASADDOR TOURS NETHERLANDS

The Vlisco Ambassador, Elizabeth Patterson, joined other Vlisco ambassadors across Africa on an exclusive 3-day trip to the Netherlands as part of their prize for winning Vlisco Women’s Month 2015.
During her trip, Elizabeth got to enjoy the sights of Netherlands and visited the Vlisco factory in Helmond, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the authentic Dutch wax fabrics are made.

Here are her experiences and insights she shared about the trip which took place earlier this month:

• You recently returned from a trip to Holland with the other Vlisco Ambassadors, visiting the home of Vlisco - How was the experience?
I enjoyed the opportunity to visit Holland again, meet with the other 5 ambassadors, learn their stories, and about their journeys. We got a tour of the Holland factory and several workshops and tutorials, which I believe made us all true connoisseurs of style by the end of the trip.

• What was the highlight of the trip for you?
The highlights of the trip were meeting and engaging with the other ambassadors and the surprise horseback riding activity on the third day. I had not been on a horse since my teenage years in high school. It was great to literally get back on the horse after so many years.

• How was it interacting with the other Ambassadors from Africa?
This was very good. I connected with Dotun from Nigeria the most as we were partners for "the path to being a heroine" workshop which allowed us to share professional and personal stories with one another.

• What insight did you gain about Vlisco during your trip?
The trip allowed me to broaden my knowledge of the Vlisco brand more. Touring the factory gave us a visual of the attention to detail that goes into the making of a single fabric- from design to mass printing and distribution. One of Vlisco's pillars is to be innovative and forward thinking - this was seen in the fact that they have collections for the next 3 quarters of 2015, 2016, and 2017! The design team is constantly thinking ahead and creating unique colour combinations that no other brand has.

• How would you sum up the trip in one sentence?
The trip was the official beginning of my journey as Vlisco's Ghana brand ambassador and I learned a great deal to become a true connoisseur of style.

• Anything else to add about the trip?
Meeting with the Vlisco staff and team was equally good for me and the other ambassadors. We observed the dedication the teams have for the Vlisco brand.

Elizabeth is the founder and executive director of the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana (GEIG) whose mission is to provide academic and financial support for girls including applicants with special needs, so they may access secondary, higher education, and professional opportunities.
Below are some of the pix of her trip with the other ambasaddors;

FATHERFEST @ 5-Health Concern Ghana Celebrates

The Executive Director,Mrs Aboagye delivering a speech at the event.

Health Concern Ghana, a non-governmental organization last week marked its 5th annual Fathers’ Day celebration dubbed; “Fathers: Key Actors in Improving Maternal and Neonatal Health”, at the Victory Presbyterian Church in Accra.
The programme was centered on engaging fathers to improve maternal and neonatal health, because the organization believed that fathers, right from conception plays integral part to the health of both mother and child.
Other activities also included fathers cooking completion, health screening, bounty castle, football gala and a launch of “Save a mother, Save a new born Campaign”.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Health Concern Ghana, Mrs. Mary Aboagye, said that every year there were about four million neonatal deaths worldwide, of which infections form( 36%),pre-term( 28%) and birth asphyxia( 23%).
Besides, she noted said “these newborn death’s occur in developing countries whiles most die at homes against a background of poverty, sub-optimum care seeking and weak health systems”, adding that two-thirds of those deaths could be prevented.
She advised fathers to find time to accompany their spouses to antenatal clinic and stressed the need for fathers to be educated on conception, pregnancy, delivery and childcare.
A representative for the Minister of Health, George Kumi Kyeremeh, hinted that statistics from the Social Welfare of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit(DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service revealed that the number of fathers noted to be irresponsible had risen over the past three years, with fathers mistreating their wives during pregnancy
He appealed to all fathers to renew their commitment to their civic, religious and traditional responsibilities by supporting their spouses at home.
Fatherfest is an initiative of Health Concern Ghana with a three-fold mission; to acknowledge the role of fathers in the society, create an avenue for people, show appreciation to their fathers and equip fathers to assume their role effectively.

THE RETURNS OF AN UNFORGIVING HEART

I was mesmerized when I joined my Sunday School Children’s service department to observe what the children have been studying in their class.
Actually, I was assigned by my pastor to monitor how the Sunday school teachers go about in delivering their role as teachers.
As I sat in my small corner, watching the children sung tuneful songs of worship and praise, I watched in awe to see how these children knelt down with their hands up, worshipping God.
I pondered over their actions for while, and thought they did not know what they are about since they were young.
A few minutes later, the Sunday School teacher asked them the relevance of the “ Holy Spirit”, a couple of kids gave their answers but one answer drew my attention, just as I was leaving to join the adult church, a petite 6 year old boy answered, “As Christians and believers of God, we are suppose to have a forgiving heart when we make the holy spirit available in our lives and related it to the popular adage that goes like “To err is human but to forgive is divine”.
The statement made by the little boy sent chills down my spine because his tone was so discerning and deep, I took my mind back to recent publications in the dailies which have headlines such as; “ WOMAN BURNT FINGERS OF CHILD FOR STEALING”, “HUSBAND STAB WIFE FOR CHEATING”,WIFE CHOOPED HUSBAND’S MANHOOD FOR FLIRTING”.
Yes they have done you wrong, but do two wrongs make a right?. The truth of the matter is there is no relevance in paying back the wrongful acts of somebody, is best to make God the judge of all situations.
I called a friend and asked of her the plans for her dad towards the father’s day celebration, in fact I did not like her response because there were no excitements in her voice unlike how she called me on mother’s day to inform me of her intentions.
I asked her why she is not celebrating her dad and she disclosed to me; “My dad abandoned my mum when I was five months old, I just came into contact with him when I completed medical school”.
Humanly speaking, it’s very hurting to experience such a dreadful act by nobody other than your own blood, and urged her to forgive her dad and show him earnest love, because at the end of the day her dad will be drawn in guilt and shame.
I shared with her how research has proven that harboring resentment could lead to severe heart ache and blood pressure.
Am not scaring you folks, but how does it feel to see someone who has offended you?
Why would a normal human being commit such an unpardonable offense to a person?
If these culprit knew the essence of Forgiving one another at a tender age the harm meted on these victims would reduced. The subject of Forgiving should be taught in our homes, churches and school because they are places we normally engage our children.
Can you imagine how the world would have been, if we all knew the significance of forgiving one another, there would have been peace and harmony.
My dear brothers and sisters lets all champion this course to exhibit the habit of MAGNANIMITY.
Oops ,I forgot to wish you a happy Fathers’ Day,guess you had a package for your dad because we are still in the fathers’ day month.
Anyway Happy belated Fathers’ Day to all fathers in the world and potential fathers.

SSNIT DONATES GH¢ 206,440

The Social Security and the National Insurance Trust (SSNIT, has donated a cheque of GH¢206,440.00 to the Burns Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra in support of the victims f the June 3 twin disaster incident.
The corporate Affairs manager, Miss Eva Amegashie disclosed that the donation is part of their corporate social responsibility as an organisation.

Ms.Eva Amegashie(right)presenting the cheque to the Deputy Director of Nurses Ethel Odei- Lartey

"CHOOSE YOUR FRIEND, DON’T LET YOUR FRIENDS CHOOSE YOU”

It feels good to call someone a friend, buddy, or a companion. Friendship is built within a period of time, just as enemies.
It’s so amazing to see people who have known each other for longer period of time turn into worst enemies based on so many factors.
In our walk of life, we come into contact with all kinds of people, whom we might meet them from diverse places and later tag them as ‘friends’, ‘best friends’ and the rest, depending on the kind of help being offered.
One thing we should try and consider is that, the fact that there is a mutual affiliation which keeps the flavor of friendship amongst you does not connote or qualify him/her as a friend.
The question is what value is he/she adding to your life’ what sort of impact have you benefited from your friend ever since he/she came into your life?
Have these questions ever wondered through your mind before.
The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘friend’ as a person you know well and like, and who is not usually a member of your family’, though its not in debt ,but my grandmother’s definition is so striking which I always go by it. “Someone who shares your vision, objective and goals which is geared towards creating impact in our lives”.
This definition is so deep and help you to take critical steps in choosing your friends.
Here are 4 steps to enable you make wise decisions in making and building friendship ties.

*Know the Person
It is very important to know the person you are mingling with, knowing the family background, the persons interest and passion is also needed which will enable you flow with the person well. This will help you to know the likes and dislikes of the person to ensure a smooth relationship.
“Ever since I met my bestie, time spent, moments shared has helped the friendship and blossom, we hardly fight, a friend disclosed.

*A Good Listener
A friend who gives you the ear and listens to you is worthy to be cherished. In times of problems or hard situations, a friend who gives you that room to share your issues with releases a sort of burden because there is adage which goes like “problem shared is half solved”.
“It’s so heart warming, when I get a gentle tap from my friend saying it’s well after sharing a problem, gives me great pleasure” another friend informed.

*An Advisor
There is nothing as fascinating as having a friend who gives you a good advise when there is a problem, it get’s exciting when that advise yields a good result. One thing an individual should look out for is a friend who is ever ready to give an advice when the need be.
A set of advice plays a major role, because it can cause a great influence in your life. Be mindful and vigilant in the kind of words, we consume in our minds , because it can make and unmake you.

*A positive Influence
There is nothing as beautiful as having a friend who would have a good influence in your life. This helps you go a long way in life because your success ladder will depend on the kind of associate you have come into contact with.

Emmanuel Yawson of ‘SOF’ fame reveals the brain behind his single “Midnight Cry”

After winning the Charter House reality show, Stars of the Future, in 2011,with his hit song ‘’My time” Emmanuel Yawson now Immanuel Emmanuel was “absent” from the music scene, till the release of his new single “Midnight cry”.
In an exclusive interview with the stylish musician he disclosed, the inspiration behind his new single was drawn from the frustrating moments in his life, especially when he grieved upon publications of him being absent from the music scene with his fame fading.
“I woke up one midnight to pour out my heart to God but something amazing happened, whilst praying I unknowingly worshipped God instead of complaining like I planned”.
Explaining further, he said as soon as he opened his mouth to sing, the lyrics from the song started coming out. “It was such an amazing, spiritual and intimate experience with God, thus the title of the worship medley “Midnight Cry”, he disclosed.
“Instead of a cry, God gave me a song and revealed to me that, my laying low from the musical scene for two years was His conscious decision”.
He confessed that his absence from the limelight enabled him make significant discoveries about himself and mostly about his style of music.

How it all began

At a tender age of 6, Emmanuel discovered an amazing gift, implanted in him by God, after joining his elder sister and cousin to perform at their grandaunt’s 80th birthday party.
Emma was brought up from a noble Christian family. He started singing in church with a wonderful support from his family especially his mother, and then the passion for singing grew with time, which led him to join Stars of the future train where he emerged as the winner.
“I wanted to prove to myself I was destined for greatness,and I chose stars of the future reality show because I believe it was more challenging and very diverse than other reality shows”,he said.
He acknowledged God’s favour for having emerged the winner of the 2011 SOF show even though there were equally talented people like Kaaki, Daniella, Noella among others.

Future Prospects
The smooth voiced singer aspires to go International, by producing chart topping music and award winning songs to leave a musical legacy. With his gift, he wishes to reach out to the world, proclaiming God’s amazing love.

Convictions
He is a fan of Kojo Antwi and Manifest, but believes his music ideas and style of delivering is heavenly inspired. “I love to sing and write about my most personal experiences with God and my fellow man” he said.
He then urged the need to scout for more song writers and more music producers who have international ideologies when it comes to creating music and, applauded the various stakeholders of Ghana music industry for massive improvement.

Education

A proud alumnus of the Central University College, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management, he plans to study Company and Entertainment Law.
He also participated in exchange programs in Boston, USA during his junior high school days which gave him enough exposure to learn about different culture and lifestyle.

You can interact with Immanuel Emmanuel via;
IMMANUELemmanuel,twitter
@real_immanuel,Instagram
@immanuelemmanuel,google+IMMANUEL EMMANUEL.Youtube IMMANUEL EMMANUEL on sound cloud and reverbation.


Watch "Immanuel Emmanuel - Midnight Cry (Official Video)" on YouTube - https://youtu.be/kqKXBKbs_a4