Getting ready for the exams

by Thomas Bwire

They all sat quietly in one of the rooms at the center as they read through their continuous assessment exams, given by Uweza to monitor the effectiveness of our after-school tuition. These are some of the students who are high school candidates making final preparations for their exams. After four years of hard work in high school, candidates are required to undertake a national Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam that determines their life path. The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) is the examination body in Kenya is mandated to examine students at their last year of their studies, be it in primary and high school.

I got to interact with some of the candidates taking advantage of the Uweza center to study and get to know how they have adequately prepared to handle exams which are already on–going.

Edmond Bwire, Francis Namale, and John Kidagwa are some of the high school students who study at Uweza's center

Edmond Bwire Peter, aged 19 years old, is a candidate at Langata High School, and notes that he has been reading hard to be well prepared for the national exams. “I have been working with groups of fellow students for revision purposes, ” notes Edmond. His dream is to become an aeronautical engineer.

Francis Namale, aged 19 years old, also a form four student at Jeremic Adventist Academy is  optimistic that all will be well. He says that he been doing lots of revision and the teachers strike at the beginning of the school term will not affect his performance. "These exams mean a lot to my life and I want to join campus to study computer science since technology advancement keeps having an impact on our lives and there is need to embrace it,” are Francis sentiments.

Francis Namale taking the Uweza tuition continuous assessment exam

John Kidagwa, aged 18 years old, is motivated to become a business entrepreneur  “My motivation comes from my late father, and that’s why I have to work hard and pass my exams well."

John Kidagwa

In total, ten students from Uweza's programs are taking the exams this year. From the Uweza family, we want to wish all candidates sitting for their national exams success and may their life desires be realized come next year!

Nairobi Show

by Thomas Bwire

Last Friday was an adorable day as it presented an opportunity for the kids under the sponsorship program a chance to visit The Nairobi International Trade Fair, an annual event held in Nairobi.  The walk from the center was full of energy as all the kids present, dressed in their respective school uniforms, walked steady fast as they anticipated what the day ahead was going to be like. It didn’t take long and in less than 20 minutes, we all arrived at one of the entry gates at the Trade fair, famously known here as Nairobi Show.

Mathew Muema, Uweza Sponsorship Coordinator, paid our entry tickets and thereafter we had access to have fun and enjoy to the fullest what was in store for us. Before entry, security personnel did check through the bags as a way of enhancing security for everyone’s safety.

Once in, our first stop was at the stand where cows were displayed in their stalls, amazingly they were bigger than most of us thought this made some of the kid’s curious and want to touch them. Later on we moved to the see other animals like goats, and sheep, here too some of the kids fell in love with one of the sheep as they wanted a photo of this rare animal.

Posing with a sheep

Thereafter, we moved to others stands like the ministry of Agriculture, where we got to know what foods are grown in Kenya and how they are supposed to be preserved right from the farm to harvest time.

High school students learning about flowers

Learning sign language

Time was flying so fast that we had to take a small break and had small bite of sausages which were delicious.  Next we went to the merry-go round area which had many people than we never thought. Some of the kids decided to enjoy the merry-go round while some choose to have something else.

Later on we all got a place to enjoy our meal and also all the kids got their faces painted. The moment of the day was at one of the local stand and a few of our kids had a chance to show case their dancing skills. Winners were awarded key holders and pens to motivate them.

Uweza students dancing in front of a big crowd

Just before the day came to an end, we also visited the arena, and got to see some performances from the local police on how they curb insecurity issues in the country. To close the day, some cows were paraded past our stands showcasing farmers efforts in raring them.
 
The fair which opened its doors on 2nd October-7th October 2012 had this year's theme as, 'Enhancing Technology in Agriculture and Industry for Food Security and National Growth.  The trade fair, formerly called the Nairobi Agricultural Show, began in 1901 when the agricultural and horticultural society was founded in Nairobi. The show became a trade fair in the year 2000 giving opportunity to local and international exhibitors to promote their services and products.

The Finals

Finally the day came for the young footballers to show the results of their hard work to everyone. On 6th October at DC grounds in Kibera, the Uweza FC Under-10 team was playing against Marren FC Under-10 in the finals of the Young Generation Englightenment Programme (YOGEP) tournament .They had earlier on played against Katerlands FC and won 3-2 which made them qualify for the finals. They were shining in their blue jerseys as they warmed up under the supervision of their coaches Said and Joash.

Uweza Under-10 team lines up before the match

At 10.00am, the game kicked off as the two teams made several attempts to net goals in their opponents’ goal posts. At the 10th minute, Uweza got their first goal through their dangerous player Samwel Fredrick who drove the crowd  wild and immediately after the celebrations, he scored a second goal making the team celebrate even more.

Uweza Under-10  in action

At the end of first half, Uweza had a 2-0 lead. One yellow card was given to Marren FC player after a foul.  In the second half, Marren FC made efforts and were able to get their first goal through Ali Munyi hence making the game end at 2-1. Uweza FC had won the game!

Shortly after the Under-10 match finished, the Uweza FC Under-12 players played against Salama FC for the finals. Earlier on in the semi-finals, they had played against African Heroes and beaten them 2-0 to qualify for the finals.

At first the two teams were afraid of each other as each played carefully in the first half. In the second half, Salama FC scored their first goal which made Uweza up their game and in the last five minutes, a super swap of Ferdinand Leo made Uweza score a goal hence it ended with a draw of 1-1, leading to penalties.

Uweza Under-12 player scores a goal in penalties

In the penalties, Salama FC were able to score 3 more goals while Uweza scored 2 making Salama FC the winners of the Under-12 category. The Under-12 team from Uweza were disappointed, considering the fact that they were playing in their new yellow, dazzling jerseys but at least they were in the second place position.

Uweza Under-10 with their first place trophy!

Uweza Under-12 captain Wycliffe Odhiambo accepts the team's prize voucher

After completion of the final matches for all categories, Uweza Under-10 players were officially handed over their precious cup through their captain while the Under-12 players received a voucher for 500 Kshs, making the day end it joyous celebration.

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Rebecca Musanga is a member of the Uweza Journalism Club.

Embracing technology

by Thomas Bwire

Everyone’s hope in the current life is to become computer literate, as the global world keeps moving on the fast lane on matters to do with technological advancement. This was evident among young members of the Uweza Journalism Club as each one sat in front of a laptop computer last Sunday at Lit World computer laboratory in Kibera slums.

With eight laptop computers in front of them, all seemed eager and ready to learn as much as they could. Being their first formal computer class, I did some introductions of computer basics. Some of the sentiments from the members were that life has become better and one can easily communicate through the computer with friend globally, unlike in the years back when letters were the order of the day.

“Not so bad” I thought to myself how information is power with the sentiments coming from young members of the journalism club.

According to statistics from Lit World, a non-profit organization in the United States  (http://litworld.org/about/ ), globally at least 793 million people remain illiterate. Two-thirds of them are women. All over the world, children are hungry for learning and for the power it brings. Research shows that children learn to read and write best by writing and telling the stories of their own experiences. Yet it is rare to find safe spaces where children feel fully comfortable to do so.

Our partnership with Lit World is a great step in empowering the community through our youngsters that one day, they will be computer gurus and able to drive the economy of our country to greater height. The partnership allows members of the Journalism Club to freely use their computer lab every Sunday between 11am to 12.30pm. 

To sum it up, literacy is the foundation for emotional and physical well-being, intellectual growth, and economic security. The right to read and write is a fundamental human right and belongs to all people.

Hope is not gone forever

by Nicholas Gisemba

The sponsored primary school going kids of Uweza family all looked happy and adorable last Sunday at their monthly meeting. This meeting comes every last Sunday of the month as they all gather together and talk about what is going on in their lives. In one of the classroom. Mathew Muema, Sponsorship Coordinator gave the kids a simple task of having to draw the people that matter most to them in their family.

Something that kept me thinking, that all the kids can easily identify the people they love and what it means for them. This exercise took like 15 minutes to accomplish. Later on they all went out for an outdoor activity, where one student acted out different creatures and objects such as a kangaroo and a spoon while the others guessed.

Maurine acting as a kangaroo

The most interesting part of the day’s session was when all the kids had to speak up for themselves on their needs. Some of their sentiments were as follows: some had only one pair of school uniform and requested to be added an extra pair. While others noted that their uniforms were old and needed replacement.

Sponsorship Coordinator Mathew organizes the students for a game

The forum offered a space to let them speak up their minds as a way of growth into becoming responsible adults in the near future. The exercise also gives students the confidence to express themselves and their needs. Challenges faced at school were also shared and possible ways of overcoming them to excel better this new school term.

Snack time

The day came to an end with a small snack shared among all the kids present, A cup of juice and cookies were served from the kitchen and all queued as they waited for their chance to get a piece and ate just like one family.  The kids also had a chance to make their funny gestures while taking a group photo.

As the kids left the center, I had an opportunity to speak with Mathew whom shared his thoughts that his greatest motivation is to see all the kids grow in their lives and to overcome the life challenges that in many cases create barriers that can hamper their growth in life.

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Nicholas Gisemba is a member of the Uweza Journalism Club. 

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