Quest for Knowledge

by William Ochieng

A famous scholar once said ‘if you want to go far, go alone and if you want to go further, go with people.’  This quote is relevant during the three week long teachers strike that paralyzed learning in all public schools countrywide. Despite the teachers’ strike, students need not sleep on their knee to search for excellence to better their lives.

In the Kibera slums a group of eight young students both high school and primary used to converge at the Uweza Foundation center to discuss mathematics, English, chemistry and other subjects.  One of the students stands up who is bright in mathematics and shows the rest how a sum is tackled when brought in the question paper. He leads the rests step by step on the methods and formula followed to arrive at the answer.

After that, each one them is assigned to bring similar questions.  They then discuss other subjects like English and the rest.  What I discovered was that the students made sure that each understood well the concept, and if you are a slow learner, sessions are more repetitive in order to tackle the problem.

I posed a question to one of the boys “Has the teachers strike brought an end to learning?"  His take was that with or without the teachers' presence, learning must continue.  The teachers work, he said, is only to supplement and much of the work that should be done by the student himself.

All of the students aspire to be engineers, pilots, doctors, lawyers, etc. and they are determined to meet their goals.  I advise them that in order to succeed, they must work entirely in all subjects so that they join better campuses and colleges both locally and abroad to study.  I noticed that the students are motivated to succeed to fulfill their dreams and I was happy with the ideas and encouraged them to forge ahead.

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William Ochieng joined Uweza as an intern in September 2011.  After receiving a diploma in Community Development in September 2012, he joined the Uweza team full time as our Administrator.

Are you informed?

Story and photos by Rebecca Musanga

In this current generation, if you're not in the game of knowing what is happening around you then you must be missing something and to be specific, life as a journalist. On one fine Sunday afternoon 24th September, Uweza Journalism Club members were discussing the qualities of a good journalist.

We were divided into four groups and each group had to choose a group leader and a presenter under the supervision of our journalism teacher Mr. Thomas Bwire. Everyone was keen to understand the topic of what it takes to be a good journalist. Some of the major points brought up by the presenters were: A journalist should be hardworking, highly educated, fluent in both Kiswahili and English, self disciplined at heart, accurate, very first with news, trusted, easy to understand, straight, alert and also realistic.

One of the groups shares what they think makes a good journalist

To add on what we learned, we were also given tips of a becoming a good journalist which included:·   

• Be right by building trust with your readers, listeners or viewerss
• Be first and timely in the news to be delivered.
• Stick to what you know and not to be biased
• Keep it simple hence avoid using fancy sentences that are unnecessary.
• Play it straight to maintain your standard.
• Know your market i.e. their age, occupation, residence and target audience.
• Be aware of your competitors.
• Keep in touch.
• Be realistic
• Be disciplined.

Club member Dorcas Kirwai shares her findings with the group

Everyone had a chance to share what we had learned over the past week and as we went home, we had at least two hints in mind hoping to become the best journalist ever. The presenters from each group were also awarded for their good presentation skills as a way of motivation to become better presenters in years to come ahead.

The day’s lesson helped me have a reflection on some of the aspects in becoming a journalist and what it takes to be to edge out the competition when that time comes.

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Rebecca Musanga is a member of the Uweza Journalism Club.

My Story: Alfred Nyongwe

"My Story" is a new blog series intended to provide a platform for Uweza beneficiaries to tell their own stories about their lives and their involvement in our programs.  First up is Alfryed Nyongwe, a fourth year high school student, who plays for Uweza's senior soccer team and is a recipient of an Uweza sponsorship. Alfred will be taking the KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) exam next month.  

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by Alfred Nyongwe

It is true that opportunities are rare.  It is only at Uweza Foundation that opportunities are well and fully offered.  Some of these opportunities are as follows: We have soccer, which is the mother of others, journalism, drama, arts and crafts, sponsorship, counseling and free tuition. This creates, prepares, and nurtures talents for the young generation.

Alfred Nyongwe

As an individual, Uweza really helped me to cater for my school fees.  I count myself among the luckiest students due to the benefits I have been acquiring in this organization. As I am preparing for my final examination, they offered me a conducive environment for learning. They provide all requirements for the examination such as: revision books, past papers, pens, exercise books, and a place where one can have a moment of peace of mind to study.

In addition, they have encouraged me by giving tips for passing an examination. This led me to have a positive attitude and mind about education for my future life. Their main interest is to see great people in the future coming from the "Uweza family."

Alfred studying at the Uweza Community Center

My coach gave me time to concentrate with my studies and resume attending soccer training sessions on 29th of November after the National Examinations.  He did this out of a good heart and the interest he had for me. He allowed anyone who is preparing for the final examination to concentrate on his/her education because education is life and it is only this examination that will determine who you will become in the future.  I really appreciate him for the good intentions toward my life and I won't forget his words...."I want to see you by next year with a suitcase coming from Kenyatta University...where your dreams will come true."

Alfred, left, with his coach, Team Manager Charles Kaindi

In conclusion, I thank Uweza Foundation and all of the staffs for the great work they have been doing to create, nurture, and empower talents. My prayers to all is that our mighty Lord give them long lives and strength to continue supporting the needy. In addition, God bless the work of their hands and increase mercy on their hearts to make Uweza Foundation become a throbbing heart for the needy.

Let the feet speak

Story and photos by Rebecca Musanga

Football is the most common game in the world that can be played by different people and at the same time unites them. That is a fact for sure. Yesterday at Woodly grounds at exactly 4.45 pm, Uweza FC played a friendly match against a team of Kibera All Stars commonly known as “Help Them Lord."  The Kibera All Stars team includes players from Kibera that have made it to the Kenyan Premier League and other Kibera celebrities.

Before the match began, Uweza FC players were busy warming up under the supervision of their team manager Charles Kaindi famously known to his players as “Coach Stam.”  Coach Stam also took the rare opportunity to play with the team. The opponent team, Help Them Lord, arrived a bit late which made the game start behind schedule.

Uweza FC warming up before the match

 In the first 20 minutes of the first half, Help Them Lord got their first goal from Kriss Darling, a  famously known Kibera DJ.  23 minutes later, Jesse Were, who plays for Premier League team Mathare United, added a second goal making his team lead by 2 goals to nil. This made Uweza FC even stronger although some of the players had injuries.



In the second half, Uweza FC finally scored a goal with the help of Ali Juma, making the Uweza fans go crazy. The match was heated as everyone tried his best to score another goal. The referee gave three yellow cards to players who proved to be rough on the field. Uweza FC had many opportunities of scoring at least 7 goals but they lost their balance of the ball. After 90 minutes of hustle and bustle, the whistle was blown to mark the end of the match.

Uweza player Ali Juma after scoring his goal

“Luck was not on our side today but  we played a good game," Team Manager Stam told me after the match. "I decided to organize this match with the All Stars from Kibera to encourage our young players from Uweza and help the older guys give back to the community. We are going to work on our mistakes and continue to improve."

Uweza FC has three matches remaining in the Nairobi County League. This Saturday they will be playing Liberty FC, who is currently ranked first in the league. The team had a brief meeting with their coach as Kibera All Stars players left the field. The players put on a brave look hoping that come next match, they will achieve a win.

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Rebecca Musanga is a member of the Uweza Journalism Club.

Rescue in time of need

by Thomas Bwire

It’s just past 5pm and I decided to pay a visit Uweza's tuition center, where primary school children from different programs go for extra evening tutorial classes. Upon my arrival, I get to visit one of the three classes in session with teacher Isaiah Apondi, who teaches students in classes 4, 5, and 6.  Students in classes 1-3 and 7-8 are in different classrooms.  This class is full with pupils all sitting attentively as they listen to the teacher. Some wore their school uniform, while others wore home clothes. The on-going teachers strike has taken a toll on the school schedule, since no classes have taken place from last week as teachers demand a pay rise before going back to class. (See recent Uweza blog post on the strike here).

Students in Classes 4, 5, and 6 eagerly participating in the day's lesson

All the children from public schools have now been forced to stay at home and instead seek alternative ways of keeping on track on their academic progress. I was lucky to work hand in hand with one of the journalism members and high school student Jennipher Awour, who interviewed one of the pupils as part of a learning experience in learning interview skills. She was forced to come back home from her boarding school three days after she reported due to the on-going teachers strike.

Caroline Kibiego, a class five pupil from Raila Educational Centre, says she cannot miss evening classes at the center, since no learning is taking place at their school. “Here the teacher has been able to assist me in subjects like Mathematics, Social Studies, English, Science and Kiswahili” notes Caroline.

Thomas Bwire surveys the packed classroom

While for Erick Omwega, also a class five pupil at Ayany Primary School, his sentiments are somehow strong and the on-going teachers strike is not a good sign for him. All he can say is that, “I would like the government to engage our teachers so that we can go back to school soon. At the moment, I am happy that Uweza tuition program is still on and has motivated many of us in revising our school work,” notes Erick with a smile at the end.

Journalism Club member Jenipher Awuor interviews Class 5 student Erick Omwega

An interview with Uweza teacher Isaiah Apondi reveals that the number of children attending their evening classes has tripled and this has now forced them to engage more in revision of past exam papers. “The strike has surely affected many children and the number of children coming here keeps increasing day by day,” says teacher Isaiah. 

The bigger challenge now is whether the government will engage teachers in a dialogue to avert the strike or pupils will still be forced to read on their own as end year national exams for candidates, scheduled to occur in November, approach.  The day could not end before pupils asked to take a group photo with their teacher, perhaps to remind them of the memories of their sessions and bonding while their teachers on still on strike.

Teacher Isaiah with his class

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pleas to avert the on-going teachers strike

by Thomas Bwire

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has urged the striking teachers and lecturers to be sensitive to the country’s economic status in their demands for pay hike. Breaking his long week silence, the President pleaded with the teachers and lecturers to resume duty, saying the government is committed to dialogue.

Kenyan President Mwa Kibaki

President Kibaki says the government would do what is possible to address their salary dispute.
“Let us be reasonable in our demands and always give dialogue a chance in resolving any misunderstanding that may arise,” President Kibaki said while reading out a written speech.
He made the remarks at Moi Primary School in Nakuru, after laying the foundation stone for the proposed Trauma Centre at Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital said. Teachers and university lecturers have been on strike since last week, paralyzing services in the education sector.

All the academic staff in public institutions have remained off the classroom and maintained they will only return to work after their demand have been addressed by the government. A visit to some of the public schools in Kibera was no different as pupils also stayed away from schools and only a few could be seen.

Children cleaning at Olympic Primary School in Kibera

The teachers strike was called by Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), urging teachers to stay away from class and asking them to ignore a court order outlawing the strike until their demands for a hefty pay rise of 300 percent increment agreed upon with the Government in 1997 and which was to be paid in phases.

Students learning on their own

KNUT chairman Wilson Sossion asked teachers to keep off classrooms until their plight is addressed fully. Most of the pupils have now been left at the mercy on no teacher in sight and instead learning by themselves. The focus is now on the Education Minister Mutula Kilonzo, to see how he will engage both parties for the seek answers to the on-going strike.

Sponsorship Family Day

Story by: Jennipher Awour
Photos by: Phenny Nyamachama

The Uweza community center was filled to the brim last Sunday with parents of the sponsored children sitting sharing a platform. The center's open area created ample space for this special gathering.  This was a forum aimed at comparing notes on different issues between the parents and their children in the sponsorship program.

Uweza sponsorship students and parents at the community center

Most of the parents appreciated having been integrated into the Uweza family, through their sponsored children especially with a focus on uplifting their education standards. The sponsorship program offers children coming from needy families an opportunity to have access to quality education among primary and high school going children.

One of the first up to speak was the chairman of the sponsorship committee, Mr. Tom Odumo.  The committee is responsible for reviewing and approving applications to the program as well as addressing disciplinary issues among sponsored students.  According to Mr. Tom, one of the aims of the meeting was to encouraging parents to follow up on their children’s welfare when in school, by checking on their school work and also at the end of the school term, by checking their children's report forms.  

Mr. Tom Odumo, elected Chairman of the Sponsorship Committe

As the presentation was on-going, the concentration from the people present was written all over their faces, as they looked focused while following the presentation from Tom Odumo.  Mr. Tom also emphasized on the need for the girl child to be in a closer relationship with their parents, so as their issues are rightfully addressed, and also for them to avoid getting into early pregnancies  that easily pulls them out of education while the boy child remains in school.

On his part, sponsorship coordinator, Mathew Muema, advised the children present not to engage into drugs which will easily mess their life plans. Mathew also did reminded parents to play their part on seeking medical attention for sick children since their health matters most.

One of the sponsored student's fathers, left, and Sponsorship Coordinator, right, speak to the parents

While the country director Mr. William Moi used the opportunity to share information of other programs that children can be engaged in, like free tutorial classes offered by qualified tutors and after school programs such as art club, journalism club, and dance club.

County Director William Moi

 His parting shot was word of encouragement to the children to work hard in their studies and that Uweza would be happy to see them succeed in life later on, “Your strong foundation in education now is what matters to us, since it will pay later in life, with the support of Uweza and your parents."

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Jenipher Awuor and Phenny Nyamachama are members of the Uweza Journalism Club.

Rewarding Excellence

Story by Nicholas Gisemba.
Photos by Dorcas Kirwai and Rebecca Musanga


Saturday 1st Sep 2012 at was a day to remember as the boys and girls at Toi Primary School all looked in a jovial mood. Perhaps this was a result of the good work they had put into their soccer program. The day presented an opportunity to showcase the talent the players from the Kibera community have offered in different disciplines, such as best goalkeeper and best timeliness.

Girls team players

The guests of honor were area Langata District Officer Mr. Joel Mwangala, Kibera Chief Mr. Nassir Mohammed, Sarang`ombe area Chief John Mutai, two Kenyan Premier League players and the parents.  In attendance was also the Chief Executive Officer of Children of Kibera Foundation, Kenneth Okoth.

 An exhibition match between the players and their coaches drew much attention as the spectators were also treated to skillful play presented by the players.

C oaches vs. senior team exhibition match

The day also presented an opportunity to enjoy a dance performance from the Uweza dancing group who showcased their dancing skills to the parents and visitors present. Our team from the journalism club was also in motion by capturing all the moments as they unfolded.

The first performance of the newly formed Uweza Dance Club

The climax of the day was came when the winners in different categories of excellence started receiving their certificates, books and pens. The main focus of the day was to instill the spirit of hard work in all areas among the soccer players.

MacDonald Ochieng, with his mother and younger sister, accepts the certificate for Best Goalkeeper from AFC Leopards player Shaban Raul

In his addressing speech, area Langata DO Joel Mwangala, appreciated the work done by Uweza in nurturing talents among the Kibera community besides the focus given to education. He also gave the example of countries like Brazil which had excelled in sports by investing in their youth. On his part the CEO of Children of Kibera Kenneth Okoth put up an a encouraging spirit to both the parents to support their kids in education and not look down upon themselves as coming from poor families but work hard to excel in life.

Distroct Officer for Langata Joel Mwangala's closing remarks

The award ceremony also offers parents an opportunity to meet the coaches of various categories and get involved in progress of their children. The ceremony is held each term in accordance to the school curriculum.

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Nicholas Gisemba, Rebecca Musanga, and Dorcas Kirwai are members of the Uweza Journalism Club.