5 Soft Skills Your Children Need To Have

Posted on: 14th Aug 2020

Soft skills are centered around communications, discipline, and how to relate with others. These essential skills are picked up outside of school and usually from family members and their peers. Most times, these important skills are hardly learned.

That self-confident colleague you have did not learn how to talk confidently during presentations from her Biology class. It is more likely, she learned by imitating a family member or a mentor.

These are 5 soft skills that your kids need to learn:

1. COURTESY

Helping your kids learn how to say thank you, please, sorry, you are welcome, yes ma, no sir. Accentuate manners into your day to day activities and encourage your children to do the same

2. COMMUNICATION

Learning how to talk to others, getting your clear point across, without mumbling, or averting eye contact and slouching. Rather than tell your kids to not mumble their words, just tell them to speak clearly as kids pay attention to active language.

You should also encourage them to look directly at the person they are talking to, this will help them learn how to listen and respond appropriately.

Another way to help them learn communication skills is to allow them to sit in enough adult conversations, this will help them understand the basics of good conversations.

3. EMPATHY

Every child should learn how to see things from another person’s perspective, it helps them to be less cruel and considerate of other people’s feelings. Children who learn empathy are those who grow up to be kind adults.

4. SELF CONTROL/PATIENCE

This centers around controlling their emotions, like angry outbursts and even interrupting people, self-control is an essential soft skill that really should be taught from an early age.

5. COLLABORATION

How do your children interact with their peers? It is easy to get good players but making them play together can be difficult. Collaboration means learning to take turns, having the patience needed to listen and play a role in a team.

These traits can be encouraged by making them wait their turn when playing games like rolet online and rewarding them when they are able to successfully. Encouraging them to join a sport like NBA player prop picks (click here to learn how to wear basketball shoes easily), drama or even a debate team can also help them learn to play a valuable role while on a team.

Children learn a lot of things by example so before you think these might be difficult to teach, all you need to do is to incorporate the things in your daily life and watch your children try to emulate you.

Another thing that should be started when they are young is an education plan. This will leave you assured that no matter what happens or what life brings, your children’s education will always be cared for.

You can secure your children’s future with African Alliance Smart Kids Education Plan (ASK) and Children Education Plan (CEP).
To get started, click here.

6 Ways To Take Charge of Your Finances in 2020

Posted on: 21st Jul 2020

The first half of 2020 started off on such an optimistic note, but with the global COVID-19 pandemic, the year has taken an uncertain turn. It might even seem like the financial goals for 2020 you made have all been derailed.

We are sure that you had lots of plans for the year and July is the best time to reevaluate the progress made on those financial goals in the last few months and set new, realistic goals based on that reassessment. Beyond life, you have to take charge of your finances too.

Not sure about where to start? We have some ideas to help:

1. MAKE A REALISTIC BUDGET AND STICK TO IT

Creating a budget-making habit takes discipline, but once it becomes part of your financial planning arsenal, it is indispensable. It’s important to create an actionable budget that works for every aspect of your life and be realistic about how much you need to spend.

2. SET UP AN EMERGENCY FUND

Recent events have shown us all that emergency funds are indispensable. As much as possible, have at least 3 months of your monthly income stashed away for when things get really rough. Your emergency fund could be a lifesaver.

3. WORK ON CREATING MULTIPLE STREAMS OF INCOME

The key to having multiple streams of income is to find an opportunity or problem and create a solution to it, or to invest strategically. The first approach would create a side-gig for you to operate while you still run your day job, and investing makes sure that your money works for you while you sleep.

4. CREATE A PAYMENT PLAN TO PAY OFF DEBTS YOU MAY HAVE

Debts can seem very oppressive, but it’s much more manageable when you break them down into an easy payment plan. Start paying them off little by little to ease the burden. Contact a personal insolvency services provider if you need help managing or paying off your business debts.

5. PUT A SMALL AMOUNT ASIDE PERIODICALLY FOR RENT

Rent comes around every year, so it’s only smart to start early to plan for next year. Put aside a small amount every month instead of waiting until rent month and then taking large amounts of cash that set you back for months. By the time the rent rolls around, you might even have more than the amount you need.

6. START AN EDUCATION FUND TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN’S FUTURE

With all the uncertainty in the world right now, life insurance has become even more important. Education insurance, in particular, makes sure that your children’s lives are not disrupted by a tragic event. Whether you are there or not, your dreams for them will stay on track.

The most important day in everybody’s lives is today, so if you want to get ahead in 2020, the best time to start is now. Start making plans, start creating solutions, and making long-term decisions for you and your family today.

To get started, send us a mail at info@africanallianceplc.com. We are always available to help you.

We are on social media! Keep up with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for financial and life tips to stay winning.

How To Prepare Your Children For School Resumption

Posted on: 26th Jun 2020

As schools are preparing to resume, most parents are worried about letting their wards back to school in fear of them contracting the COVID-19. These fears are valid and while resumption might be inevitable especially as parents are resuming work and you want your children to have a quality education from nurseries, these are ways to prepare your kids for school resumption to reduce the chances of them contracting the disease.

1. TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT CORONAVIRUS

Depending on the age of your children, they might not have fully grasped how dangerous coronavirus is and what social distancing will mean for them. For older kids, you might ask, “What are you hearing about coronavirus? Does it scare you?” For younger children, you could say, “Do you have questions about the new sickness that’s going around?” This gives you a chance to learn how much kids know — and to teach them to grow a positive mindset.

2. PRACTICE ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Spend the next few weeks/days before school reopens to rehearse all public safety precautions and social distancing measures. Show your children the best handwashing and hygiene techniques to practice and encourage them to teach their friends to do the same.

3. EQUIP THEM WITH SAFETY MASKS AND HAND SANITIZERS

Children cannot use adult masks so it is important that you get them facemasks that are perfect and comfortable for their age. Get pocket-sized sanitizers and encourage them to use it frequently.

4. SET RULES AND ENFORCE THEM

Children are easily distracted, and by default very playful. While you cannot be there with them in school to make sure they are not touching the wrong things, you can make sure that they understand the importance of washing and sanitizing their hands at intervals and making sure they don’t touch their body without sanitizing first.
Spell it out with details. E.g No Hugs, No utensil sharing at school, No playtime in school, etc.
Take your time to explain to them using practical examples that will be easy to understand.

5. ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO BE EXPRESSIVE

Children notice things that an adult will not necessarily pay attention to, make it a point to encourage your children to express their observations and concerns about how their school is handling the situation.

Prepare better for school resumption by getting them a good education plan like our Child Education Plan, which helps you provide adequately for all your child’s educational needs without any stress.

To buy this plan right away, please click here.

COVID-19 Survival Tips: 5 Things You Can Do To Stay Alive

Posted on: 19th Jun 2020

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, we have been advised on how to take care of our health, protect ourselves from the COVID-19, and practice social distancing. With the easing of some lockdown restrictions, most businesses are opened and running, and as such the numbers are increasing.

The fact remains that with the rapid spread of COVID-19 worldwide, many of us will eventually contract the Coronavirus. Being afraid of the virus is not an option and is actually bad for your mental health.

While you keep using your facemask, it is best that you prepare yourself just in case you ever contact the virus. The following tips offer the best advice to take care of yourself.

1.  SELF ISOLATE

If you feel that you are having the symptoms associated with COVID-19, the first thing you should do is to self isolate. If you are living with other people like your family members, inform them, and stay isolated in a room until you can reach the NCDC.

2. LOAD UP ON FOOD THAT BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNITY

Green Tea, Ginger, fruits, and vegetables are some of the food that are high in antioxidants and essential nutrients that will help boost your immune system. Avoid junk foods by all means and ensure that all your meals are organic. Products such as True Pheromones can increase your happiness, energy level, confidence, and sociability.

3. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS

Make sure that you are drinking a lot of healthy fluids, these can include water, green tea, or even ginger drinks. Just ensure you are taking enough fluid to stay hydrated.

4. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR SYMPTOMS

Ensure that you are monitoring your symptoms, this will help you stay informed on whether you are getting better or worse as well as help the doctors in case you need medical help.

5. MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

 Positive thoughts and emotions are known to increase your immune system, also giving you an increased power in overcoming the virus should it come your way. While you continue to practice all the preventive measures, do well to replace fear with a positive attitude. Fill your mind with light and uplifting messages, and prepare yourself to stay alive. 

As your foremost Life Insurance Expert, our best advice is that you prioritize the safety of your loved ones by ensuring that their future is adequately protected whether you are there or not. 

Take up our Term Assurance Plan. It is very affordable and offers a very high guaranteed sum assured (benefits) that will protect your family when the unexpected happens.

How To Choose A Career Path For Your Child

Posted on: 5th Jun 2020

Most parents are often eager to see their children settle down in a fruitful and an economically viable career. This often leads to decisions that can be shortsighted, where most children choose their field of study/career based on their parent’s wishes rather than choosing the right career stream based on their skills, aptitude, and passion.

If your children love either Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics, then you can start searching the web for the best stem mba programs available for them! You can also read articles about Kamau Bobb to know more of STEM education.

Many times, parents discover that their children keep switching their career choices and at worst even get confused about what career to pursue. To reach great goals you need résilience face aux obstacles. You may consider hiring a career coach, which will be a great help for your child.

To avoid choosing the wrong career for your child and making them lose out on exploring great career options due to a lack of awareness, parents need to offer the right guidance to help their child(ren) make the best career decision because there won’t be a shortage of companies that would find talents that befit their children in the future. As a parent, here is what you should know.

1. YOUR CHILD IS NOT AN EXTENSION OF YOU

Every child is unique and has their own special tendencies and interests. The things you hate doing might be the things they absolutely love doing. Avoid telling your child to stay away from a particular job just because it doesn’t interest you. Do not enforce your unfulfilled goals and ambitions on them.

2. DEDICATE RESOURCES TO HELP YOUR CHILD FIND THEIR STRENGTHS AND INTERESTS

Enroll your child in schools that teach “thinking skills”. These will help support your child’s brain development and also teach them effective decision making, as well as “soft skills” like hypnosis online to help decide for themselves what their ideal career should be. As they grow older, you can use aptitude tests to learn the things your child is passionate about as well as good at in order to help them maximize those strengths.

3. GET A MENTOR FOR YOUR CHILD

Look for a positive, empowering good mentor for your kid. In the event that your child shows solid enthusiasm for a specific career, help him/her find a few thought leaders in that field. Having an incredible teacher can fuel your kid’s interest. You can hire a private tutor, which you can find on the list here: https://www.twinseducation.com/IGCSE-maths-tuition-centre.

4. ENCOURAGE DIVERSE ACTIVITIES

Give your child the chance to discover his/her own strengths and interests. Encourage them to attempt different things nature, fashion, arts, science, history, travel, etc. Focus on what provokes their curiosity. On the off chance that there is a subject, they show interest in, encourage them to learn more about it.

5. EXPLORE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Encourage your child to widen out with wholesome friends and participate in some out-of-school activities. They can try out different kinds of tasks and summer internships, and get feedback from his peers, friends, and mentors to help him identify what they may be good at.

6. LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Your kid watches everything you do, so make sure you are showing a great example of commitment, balance, and consistency. The life lessons they learn from you now will play a major role in shaping them into their future self.
Serve as an example that assures your child(ren) that they can have a balanced life and be happy in whatever career they choose.

7. BE SUPPORTIVE AND PATIENT

Let your child know that the path to having a job they love can be a process of exploring and experimenting. They may change paths as time goes by, but when this happens you should be patient with them and show your support.
Encourage them to continue learning about themselves so they can grow into their potentials.

8. SECURE THEIR FUTURE

No matter how fulfilling the task of helping your child choose the right career may be, the inability to fund that child’s interest might be disheartening for every parent and even very discouraging for the child.
As a parent, we know you want the best for your children, especially when it comes to their education. However, with the cost of higher education steadily on the rise, and even the chance of unforeseen circumstances like losing a parent in death leaves many parents with concerns about how to ensure that their children get the quality of education they deserve.

An educational plan like our Child Education Plan, helps you provide adequately for all your child’s educational needs without any stress. To buy this plan right away, please click here.

Ways To Homeschool Your Kids

Posted on: 20th May 2020

The reality of Covid-19 has kept all schools and most businesses closed. Most Parents now work from home and school students are being homeschooled. As a parent, are you overwhelmed with working from home, attending to household chores, and still homeschooling your kids?

These can be really challenging, but we believe you can successfully catch up on your daily tasks and still homeschool your kids like a pro!

Here are some tips you can follow.

1. CREATE A DAILY SCHEDULE AND STICK TO IT

 The first step to a successful daily routine is by waking up at the same time every day. Draw up an activity schedule and ensure to follow it daily.  Do not make it overly serious or formal. 

Break your routine timetable into Daily to-dos. From the wake-up time, activity time, lunch/snack time, nap time, and even entertainment time. An allotted time should be devoted to each activity and it should be designed to accommodate your office hours too.

A good routine will give you time to attend your office work or business meeting and also give the kids something to look forward to.

2. SET LEARNING GOALS

In order to track their progress, it is important to set learning goals. This helps you know what to focus on as well. Remember to reward your child’s growth and improvements.

3. INVEST IN A PRINTER

This is an excellent time to invest in a printer and a metal cupboard for storing school supplies. 

You can simply source for online DIY learning resources, print these, and engage your child without stress. With as little as  N15,000 to N20,000, you can get a good printer that will ease the process of homeschooling for you and your child(ren). It helps you occupy your kids gainfully, while you work or catch-up on chores.

There are tons of free printables online that will fit your child’s school curriculum.  

4. INFUSE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Great outdoor activities for 30 minutes to one hour every day is very healthy, entertaining, and brain-stimulating. Most parents find out that after a fun session of outdoor activities with their kids, the kids are exhausted and immediately go to nap, giving parents enough time to catch up on their tasks. 

Try outdoor activities like exercises, golfing with products such as gspro, bug-hunting, gardening, bicycle rides, yard games, escape rooms Arlington, etc. These activities help children to learn and catch fun at the same time.

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5. ALLOW EXTRA SCREEN TIME

At some point, you as a parent may need full concentration to finish up a document or a strategy meeting with your work team, but with your, the kids needing all your attention, balancing out might seem like a herculean task. Then increasing screen time for your kids, like allowing them to play mobile games such as tridewi, can be helpful and do not feel guilty while at it. 

Child experts agree that you can increase screentime for your kids to allow you some privacy to complete your unfinished work. 

If your former screentime curfew was 1 hour, you can add an additional 30mins to 1 hour. This will keep them entertained and occupied while you work. You may download on-screen resources online or use educational Youtube pages as additional learning aids for your kids to explore.

6. BE FLEXIBLE

Understand that your kids are also having a tough time as well and try to find new ways to adjust to their new reality. Be flexible but firm!

On some days, if they don’t want to do school work, allow them to take a break and remember to reward good behavior. 

7. TEACH LIFE-SKILLS

Homeschooling should not be only about school work. Spend time to help your child develop good life skills like learning table manners, good etiquette, laying the bed, bathing themselves, knitting, sewing, barbing, a new language, gardening, etc. 

Any skill your child develops today will play a part in their overall development.

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It doesn’t matter whether it’s spotlessly clean or hasn’t seen a mop or broom for weeks, insects, rodents and an army of other little beasties will make a beeline for your living spaces because of the warmth and food they provide as noted by sites like insightpest.com/nashville/.

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These are trying times for all of us and it is important that you give yourself a break and do not feel guilty for not doing as much as the teachers at school. We are our best selves without pressure. Remember to share the work of homeschooling with your partner or a live-in family member too.

We know you want the best for your child(ren). Please take out time to learn about our affordable Educational Plans for your child? Start CEP or ASK with as low as 6000 Naira.

Enjoy Iftar With Us

Posted on: 14th May 2020

One of the most beautiful and essential parts of Ramadan is the time for Iftar, when you break the day’s fast in accordance to the will of Allah. As you break today’s fast, join us with these steps.

1. Break Your Fast Immediately You Hear The Adhan

According to the holy prophet (SAW), there are blessings for the one who breaks his/her fast early. Say Bismillah and break your fast with water, or dates.

2. Remember to say your supplications.

The month of Ramadan is a time where everyone hopes to get their prayers answered. It is important to say your “Duas” (Prayers). Islamic experts’ advice that making a list of your “Duas”, helps you not to forget any. Do remember to pray for yourself and others too.

3. Eat Healthy and In the Right Proportion

It is easy to want to load up on food after fasting all day. Refrain from overeating and avoid junk or processed foods after exiting a fast. Choose healthier options like Fruits, Vegetables, and high protein meals.

Replace lost fluids by drinking plenty of water and other hydrating drinks like smoothies and fruit-infused drinks.

4. Eat With Family

Enjoy an excellent family time when you break your fast with your loved ones. Eating together is about so much more than food. It is about fulfillment, not just of our physical appetites, but our spiritual and emotional need for companionship as well. And families make the best companions.

5. Show Kindness To Others

According to Daraqutni, Hasan an eminent Muslim scholar and muhaddith, “The best of people are those that bring the most benefit to the rest of mankind.” Seek ways to perform good deeds and show kindness to others.

In line with Islamic principles of Mudarrabah, investing in Takaful helps you build and live a life of goodwill that will be beneficial to you, your family, and your community. To choose a plan that best suits you, read more about our Takaful plans here.

5 Essential Things You Should Do As Lockdown Eases

Posted on: 5th May 2020

The last few months have truly been tough on everyone. Our businesses, lifestyle and daily routine were brought to an abrupt halt. Thankfully we are coping and able to survive the lockdown.

Recently, we received news from the federal and the state government on the decision to gradually ease the lockdown and resume business activities in the country. With many Nigerians resuming business activities yesterday May 4th, it is crucially important that you protect yourself and your family from contracting and spreading the deadly Coronavirus. 

Check out these 5 essential things that you should completely do as you resume outdoor activities.

1. MASK UP

Use a face mask at all times as you go about your daily activities. If possible, carry along one or two spare masks with you should in the case it becomes necessary to dispose of a contaminated mask.

Protect yourself and curb the spread of the virus.

2. DO NOT HOST OR ATTEND PARTIES

PC: The Wedding Party

Without any doubt, Nigerians totally love their “Owanbe” parties and sadly the lockdown has prevented this kind of socializing. All parties and other events were either canceled or postponed.

Do note that the easing of the lockdown does not mean we can begin partying as usual. We need to be even more cautious at this time. Experts have advised that until there is a known cure and vaccine for the COVID-19, please do not attend or host parties. Large gatherings make it easy for the coronavirus to spread within our community. Stay safe and protect yourself and your family.

3. PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE

Washing your hands regularly can never be overemphasized as this is one of the safest ways to protect yourself from contracting the virus. As you resume outdoor activities, ensure to wash your hand every 30 minutes to one hour. Carry an alcohol-based sanitizer when going outdoors. 

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, face, and mouth by all means, and ensure to keep all surfaces clean while you disinfect regularly. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.

4. CONTINUE TO LOVE YOUR LOVED ONES FROM A DISTANCE

With time, life would return to normal but while the country still battles the pandemic, this is not the time to meet with people. Protect yourself and your loved ones from the deadly virus by staying away from visiting family and friends. This is definitely not a good time to hang out for drinks, sleepovers, and even dates. Avoid crowded places like Lunchrooms, and Bus parks and maintain at least a 2-meter distance from anyone. Instead of physical socializing, consider playing online games like UFABET: เดิมพันอย่างมีความรับผิดชอบ as a fun and safe way to connect with friends and family. 

5. TRANSACT ONLINE

To curb the spread of the virus, it will be good to avoid public places such as shopping malls, banks, churches, and others.  It is advisable to explore alternative services. For example, you don’t need to go to the bank to carry out many transactions. In fact, some banks have online call centers that operate 24/7. If you can, purchase all your goods online to avoid going to the mall.

Please you can transact business with us by using any of our online channels. Send inquiries and complaints on products, via our Whatsapp number +2348130858310 or chat with us on www.africanallianceplc.com 

You can also email: customer@africanallianceplc.com or call +2348062338698

As you go about your daily activities, please stay safe and stay healthy. 

African Alliance Hosts Headfort Foundation

Posted on: 19th Feb 2020

Foremost life insurer, African Alliance Insurance, recently hosted a team of legal practitioners from Headfort Foundation, a Lagos-based not-for-profit Legal Aid and Advocacy initiative, at its head office.

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5 GIFT IDEAS FOR FAMILY THIS LOVE SEASON (INCLUDES A BONUS)

Posted on: 14th Feb 2020

Valentine’s Day is not just for romantic relationships, you can show love to your family too. We already know that with family, just flowers won’t do. At African Alliance we are big on family, which is why we came up with these “5 Gift Ideas” for your family this Love Season.

1. Family Time

Family is all we really have! Take out time off your busy schedule just for them. Say “I love you” and treat them to a full day of fun family activities.

• Take a trip to the beach
• Eat out with the family.
• Visit a Zoo or Resort and Explore Nature with the family.

2. Family Spa Day

A full day for stress detoxing is an amazing gift idea for your spouse, parent or even sibling, especially in Nigeria. Everyone sure loves a luxurious pampering session. Book an appointment at any of these great South African spas and bond over facials and massages. They will definitely love it.

3. Gadget Upgrade

Do you have a family member that is crazy about gadgets which could possibly contain whole capacitors manufactured by Illinois Capacitor Inc? Then the best thing you can give them this season of love is a Gadget Upgrade. Gift them a gadget they have been crushing on for a while or gift them the latest version of what they are currently using.

This is a perfect gift idea for your child, your special niece/nephew or your spouse e.t.c.

4. A Digital Memory Box

You know how it has become a digital age where people get so busy and forget to capture or document experiences? A digital memory box is a perfect gift to them. Put together a memory box filled with shared experiences, pictures, videos and special moments from the previous year with a note that expresses how much you love them. Sometimes, all your loved ones need is a reminder that they are special and loved.

Make a pick but ensure to make it fun!

5. Gift Voucher

As much as we would like to guess gifts that will make our loved ones happy, sometimes it can be really hard to figure out without giving away the element of surprise. Gifting them a gift voucher will give them the choice to get the things they really want. You may also reach out to Aquaholic if you need Umbrella Printing Singapore services.

BONUS – TIP: Gift Life Insurance

Telling your family that you love them is one thing, but showing them that you will be there for them forever is another thing. Securing a Life Insurance plan is one of the best ways to show that you will be there for them forever!

African Alliance offers the best plans that suit your needs. Get our Child Education Plan (CEP) as the perfect valentine gift for your children. We also advise the Money Appreciation Plan (MAP) or Alliance Investment plan (AIP) as a perfect valentine gift for your partner, a dear friend or a parent.

All our plans come with Life Insurance cover that gives the assurance that your loved ones will still benefit from your hard work whether you are there to care for them or not. Our plans also allow you to save and also make interest on your savings.

Do you find any of these tips helpful?