The Curiosity Corner

Good day, everyone. I want to take a moment today to talk about someone truly special, someone who, every single day, makes our family's world a brighter, happier place. I’m talking about my incredible Man Ndbest and what an amazing and great dad he is to our children. When we first became parents, like all new parents, we stepped into the unknown. But watching my husband embrace fatherhood has been one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. He didn't just step up; he soared. He's the dad who can turn a mundane Tuesday afternoon into an epic adventure, whether it's building a blanket fort that rivals a castle, leading a daring backyard expedition, or inventing silly games that have everyone doubled over with laughter. He's the one who always knows how to get a genuine smile, even on the toughest of days. But it's not just about the fun and games, though he excels at those. It's about the great support he provides. He's their biggest cheerleader, c...

Greetings everyone. We live in a world that often demands much from us. It asks for our time, our effort, our focus, and sometimes, it can feel like a relentless treadmill of tasks and responsibilities. In such a landscape, it’s easy to become weary, to fall into a routine, and to perhaps even lose a little bit of the sparkle that makes life vibrant. But what if I told you there’s a force, an inner engine, a powerful ally that can transform the mundane into the magnificent, the difficult into the delightful? I’m talking, of course, about enthusiasm. What exactly is enthusiasm? The word itself comes from the Greek "enthousiasmos," meaning "possessed by God" or "inspired." It's more than just fleeting excitement; it’s a deep-seated passion, a fervent interest, and an eager readiness to engage. It's the unwavering belief that something is worthwhile, coupled with the energy to pursue it. It's the glint in your eye when you talk about a project you...

When we hear the word "relationship," our minds often jump immediately to romantic love – the grand gestu res, the passionate embraces, the lifelong vows. And yes, romantic partnerships are profoundly significant. But the spectrum of relationships extends so much wider, encompassing the quiet comfort of family, the loyalty of friendship, the mutual respect of professional colleagues, the shared humanity with neighbours, and even the transient bonds with strangers we meet on our daily paths. Relationships are the cornerstone of our emotional, social, and even physical well-being. They are the mirrors in which we see ourselves, helping us understand who we are, what we value, and where we need to grow. They are the compasses that guide us, the anchors that steady us in life's storms, and the wings that lift us when we dare to dream. So, what are the pillars upon which healthy relationships are built? Firstly, there is trust. It is the bedrock, allowing us to be vulnerable, ...

Friends, colleagues, fellow citizens, We gather today to address a corrosive force that threatens the very fabric of our societies: hate speech. It is a phenomenon that, while ancient in its origins, has found new and alarming avenues for propagation in our interconnected world. What is Hate Speech? At its core, hate speech is any form of communication – be it spoken, written, or behavioural – that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or a group based on their identity. This includes, but is not limited to, characteristics such as religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, colour, descent, gender, sexual orientation, disability, language, or socioeconomic origin. It goes beyond mere offense; it is communication that is biased, bigoted, intolerant, or prejudiced, designed to demean, threaten, or incite discrimination, hostility, or violence. It can manifest in various forms: verbal insults, online harassment, symbols, imagery, and public pronounc...

Friends, colleagues, esteemed guests, Look around you for a moment. What do you see? Perhaps you see people, a room, familiar surroundings. But I want you to look deeper. I want you to consider the potential, the untapped greatness that resides within each and every one of us. Because today, I want to talk about something profoundly important, something that holds the key to unlocking that potential: I want to talk about being outstanding. Being outstanding is not about being perfect. It's not about being better than everyone else in every single aspect. No, being outstanding is about a commitment to excellence, a relentless pursuit of growth, and a refusal to settle for anything less than your very best. Think about the difference between being good and being outstanding. Good is comfortable. Good is expected. Good often means blending in. But outstanding? Outstanding means standing out. It means leaving a mark. It means exceeding expectations and inspiring others to do the same. ...

Alright, let's talk about music. Think for a moment about your favorite song. What comes to mind? Is it the driving beat that makes you want to move? The melody that tugs at your heartstrings? Or perhaps the lyrics that tell a story you connect with deeply? Music is so many things to so many people. It's a universal language, a constant companion that shapes our emotions and memories. From the earliest rhythmic drumming around a fire to the complex symphonies of today, music has been an integral part of human civilization. It echoes our moments of quiet reflection. It’s there in the lullabies that soothe us as infants. Consider the sheer diversity of music across the globe. Each culture has developed its own unique sounds, instruments, and traditions. But music is more than just entertainment. It has a profound impact on our minds and bodies. Studies have shown that listening to music can reduce stress, improve mood, and even enhance cognitive function. It can evoke powerful me...

 Friends, colleagues, everyone, Have you ever stumbled upon something seemingly ordinary, perhaps a stone lying unnoticed in the dust? Imagine such a stone, possessing a hidden brilliance, entering the bustling marketplace. Unrecognized for its true worth, it's offered at a pittance, its potential unseen by the hurried crowd. This, my friends, is akin to the experience of the precious gem in our story. Initially undervalued, it languished in the market, its inherent beauty and rarity lost on those who lacked the discerning eye. Then, this remarkable stone found its way to a museum. Here, under the soft glow of display lights, its significance began to be appreciated. Experts recognized its unique qualities, its history, its geological marvel. The price tag reflected this newfound understanding, rising significantly. Yet, even in this esteemed institution, the true, profound value remained somewhat elusive, perhaps appreciated academically but not fully comprehended in its exquisite...

 Friends, colleagues, Look around you. Look at the incredible tapestry of innovation, art, and progress that humanity has woven. Every single thread in that tapestry began as a whisper, a flicker of an idea, a possibility. What is possibility? It's more than just a hopeful thought; it's the fertile ground from which reality springs. It's the open door standing slightly ajar, inviting us to step into the unknown and shape what could be. It's the boundless expanse of the yet-to-be, waiting for our imagination and effort to give it form. Think back to the moments in history that have defined us. The first flight, the journey to the moon, the interconnected world we hold in our hands – all were once considered impossible, mere figments of fanciful minds. Yet, individuals dared to look beyond the limitations of their present, to envision a different future, to embrace the power of possibility. Possibility isn't a passive concept; it demands engagement. It requires curios...

 My love, Where do I even begin to express the sheer depth of my gratitude and love for you? As I sit here, the weight of finally completing my Master's degree feels almost surreal, and it's impossible for me to fully grasp the magnitude of your unwavering support that brought me to this point. This isn't just my achievement; it's ours, woven together with your sacrifice, encouragement, and boundless belief in me. Looking back at the past years, the journey feels like a whirlwind of late nights, demanding coursework, and the constant juggling act of trying to balance everything. And through it all, you were my constant anchor, my unwavering rock. You didn't just stand by me; you actively trained me through it. You were my editor, my sounding board, my pep talk provider, and sometimes, even my gentle but firm push when I felt overwhelmed and wanted to give up. Remember those nights when I was drowning in research papers and feeling like my brain was about to explode ...

Friends, colleagues, fellow humans, How often do we check in with ourselves? I mean really check in, beyond the surface level of tasks completed and appointments kept. We meticulously care for our physical well-being, scheduling doctor's visits, hitting the gym, and carefully choosing what we put into our bodies. But what about the intricate landscape of our minds? For too long, mental health has been relegated to the shadows, whispered about in hushed tones, or worse, dismissed entirely. It's as if the thoughts and feelings that shape our experiences, our relationships, and our very sense of self are somehow less real, less deserving of our attention and care than a broken bone or a fever. This silence, this stigma, has profound consequences. It prevents individuals from seeking help when they need it most. It breeds isolation and shame. It perpetuates the false notion that struggling with your mental health is a sign of weakness, rather than a fundamental aspect of the human...

 Friends, colleagues, fellow humans, We gather today to consider two words that reside within each of us: anger and mercy. They often stand in stark contrast, pulling us in different directions, shaping our actions and defining our character. Anger, in its rawest form, is a fiery emotion. It can erupt like a volcano, fueled by injustice, frustration, or pain. It can feel powerful, even righteous, in the moment. It can drive us to speak harsh words, make rash decisions , and even inflict harm. We've all felt its heat, that tightening in the chest, the clenching of fists, the racing thoughts demanding retribution. Anger can serve a purpose. It can be a signal that something is wrong, a catalyst for change, a motivator to stand up for ourselves and others. However, anger left unchecked, allowed to fester and grow, becomes a destructive force. It poisons our relationships, clouds our judgment, and erodes our inner peace. It can trap us in cycles of bitterness and resentment, harming no...

 Every great journey begins with a single step—a moment of courage that defines your path ahead. Challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones, shaping you into the person you are meant to become. Each setback is an opportunity, pushing you to grow, adapt, and discover strengths you never knew you had. Remember, true success is not measured by the absence of failure, but by the persistence to rise each