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The second and third generations of African
descendents are now part of the multicultural population in Europe. The
majority of them grow-up within the European culture and have only
scanty knowledge about the African culture. Similar to the situation in
the Americas, many would like to know more about their roots and some
visit Africa regularly. Afritopic had a chat with a young lady of
African descent, Peninnah Weigewwa. In a relaxed and fairly optimistic
manner, Peninnah talks about herself and her career aspirations.
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I was born in Nairobi, Kenya and
speak English and Swahili apart from the German language. My mother is a
Kikuyu from Kenya and my father a German. I left Kenya at the age of 2
with my mother to live in Germany where I grew up with my stepfather,
who is a Swiss. I was able to learn Swahili due to frequent visits to
Kenya with my mother and conversations with my Kenyan relatives.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to pick up the native dialect of the
Kikuyu tribe.
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| I love Kenya and Africa as a whole. But I practically
grow-up here in Germany and I am used to life here. Germany is therefore
my home. So, I feel and behave like a German when in Germany.
I admire
the African easy-going, relaxed lifestyle and really enjoy mixing as
well as conversing with people when I am in Kenya. I find it fascinating
to see people laughing and children joyful despite the fact that they
have little in comparison to the situation in Germany.
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Peninah
Weigewa
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I started with the junior school in 1993 and I am now
in the Gesamtschule (German Grammar School). My favorite subjects
include English and Geography. While thinking about modeling as an
option, I would like to make a career in journalism. I am interested in
traveling and writing as a journalist. I can imagine myself working as a
foreign correspondent for a newspaper or magazine. The more adventurous
my task is, the better.
If I am lucky to have a job in the modeling sector, I
would prefer fashion modeling. Alternatively, I could combine journalism
with my interest in fashion to become a fashion journalist. I hope to
prepare myself in every possible way to achieve my career goals.
Meanwhile, I have to focus on my schoolwork in order to obtain the
Abitur (German Advanced Level School Certificate). The
opportunities available at my school remind me of the situation in Kenya
where school fees are charged. This creates a situation in which only
the privileged few have the chance to attend secondary schools. The
Universities are even more expensive. Many families have to struggle to
meet the financial burden of education. Still, I never met anyone
expressing bitterness. The people are open-minded and friendly. This is
amazing.
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Peninah's
data |
| Full
Name |
Peninah
Weigewa |
| Age |
17
years |
| Nationality |
Kenyan/German |
| Height |
172cm |
| Eyes
Color |
brown |
| Dress
Size |
34/36
(German) |
| Shoe
Size |
38
(German |
| Languages |
Swahili,
German, English |
| Hobbies |
Tennis
and Fashion |
| Career
Goals |
Fashion
Model/Journalism |
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Africa, with its beautiful landscapes is magnificent. I
would not mind living and working in Africa. But I need financial
security as an additional motivation factor. I would like to help people
living in poverty. I would like to be in a position to organize homes
for the homeless and provide basic amenities for the needy. I will not
live in Africa, if am not in a position to help. I am afraid that I will
not be able to cope with the situation of living in an environment where
many people are deprived.
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Growing up in Germany and integrating into the German
society has not been very difficult. My family helped me to overcome the
bad feelings I used to have when people stared at me because of my
complexion or ask irritating questions. Sometimes, the behavior of the
people got on my nerves. My mother told me that some people are
inquisitive and others are simply ignorant and stupid. She told me to be
myself and accept the friendliness of those who offer me genuine
friendship. I followed her advice. Today, I am capable of handling
people's disturbing or discriminating attitudes. In such situations, I
reserve the rights to ignore the person's stupidity or send him/her to
hell.
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The African part of me is displayed in my extrovert
character. I try to communicate with other people irrespective of their
nationality. My family is very important for me and I take my friends
seriously. I am always ready to defend my friends in cases where I feel
their actions are justified and they acknowledge my strong personality.
Most of them are Germans, including two close Afro-German friends. I
usually go out with one of my close friends. We sometime go shopping,
chill out in our favorite spot, go to the movies or check out the
dancing clubs and parties.
In the past, I listened to Rhythm & Blues most of
the time. That has changed. I have developed interest in all sorts of
music apart from classics. Recently, I listened to African Gospel music
and was very impressed. Though, I sometimes play tennis, my main hobby
is fashion. I may be tagged 'fashion fanatic'. I can recite the
history of the major fashion moguls including their dates of birth. |
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| My
favorite fashion labels include Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry and for
perfumes Gucci is one of my choices. I am of the opinion that the
relatively high prices of most designer labels are justified. One should
be ready to pay the price for exclusive fashion or lifestyle. The
exclusivity and class would be lost if the quality designer products
were cheaply priced. At present, I cannot afford most of the fashion
products I like but I hope to in the future.
Modeling as well as journalism
could be demanding professions. This, I am aware of. I can cope with
stress especially if what I am doing is interesting. I love fashion and
I am greatly interested in journalism. My goal is to be professionally
engaged in either or both of the sectors. Hopefully, in five years from
now, I would have found my place and come nearest to reaching goal.
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| Afritopic
2004
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