NUI Blog - Northrise University Initiative

by Agness Nshindano

It is an established fact that the best resource of a nation is its people; people who believe in change, who try harder each day, who love their country too much… Yet, without education, such people are inadequate agents of change.

A great African leader, Nelson Mandela, puts it this way – education is a powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world. In principle, university education is perhaps the most crucial in the development of people resource.

Zambia, like many other countries in Africa, greatly appreciates these facts, however, university education is a rare privilege for a lucky few. For some, it is the lack of opportunity; for others, it’s of prime concern to earn an income and sustain one’s family than spend years studying. But for most, it is the lack of finances to enroll, let alone complete.

Today, a new sense of hope to attain university education permeates the atmosphere of a town called Ndola, filled with individuals of beautiful smiles. Northrise University has not only opened a way for many to gain an education to help alleviate poverty in their communities. Through sponsorships, it has also sustained the dreams of students who otherwise may not have been able to continue with their education due to lack of financial resources.

Our graduates are a thousand miles ahead of where they were when they first walked through the doors of Northrise. Their experience was of both an intellectual and a moral education. Most importantly this education has become the practice of freedom, the means by which they can deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the development of their beloved country.

The generosity of you our partners, sponsors, friends and families is far beyond comprehension and we all know for a fact that a thank you will never be enough. Nonetheless, thank you for making a great investment in the lives of people you may have or may never meet. Your single loving action towards us greatly outweighs all the beautiful sentiments in the world. Our lives are a whole lot better, our smiles are brighter and our stories are worth an ear. Know that one life has breathed easier because you lived…

by Kanyanta

(25th April, 2009)
The 4th Graduation ceremony was held at the Savoy Hotel in Ndola (right opposite Northrise University). This year it was an extra special event as it was the first cycle of students graduating with degrees.
An occasion for celebration graced with the presence of the Ndola mayor, the event began with a number of praise songs by the choir. After the opening prayer, the academic procession strode in, proudly wearing black gowns and other various pieces of coloured garments that go with the schools they represented.  The National Anthem was sung shortly after before anyone took their sit.
Dr Moffat Zimba, the University president, had a difficult time keeping the pride and joy out of his voice (not that he made any obvious attempt to) as he gave his welcome address. He happily pointed out the recent notable achievements of previous graduates who where now making Northrise proud.

 
He was then joined on stage by Mr David Cheatham and Mrs Doreen Zimba, the vice president of the University, for the certification of the graduates, fourteen in all. Mrs Zimba, positively glowing, then presented the new graduates to the chancellor and all present. Her face continued to beam as a slideshow of all the graduates, which the Master of Ceremonies insisted contained mischievous photographs of student life at Northrise, began to show.

 
One of the graduates, Mrs. Alice Simutowe, then gave a valedictory address alive with the hurdles and struggles leading up to their achievement. She was quick to thank sponsors, donors and all those who rendered support to Northrise University and made their graduation possible. She was followed by the guest of honour, Mr Dave Cheatham, who gave his address for the occasion. This being his sixth visit to Zambia, he recounted how his journey with Northrise University had started and how his friendship had grown ever since. “All I wanted to do was sign a cheque; I never thought I’d one day be making this speech.”  Thes were Mr. Cheatham’s exact words.

 
An all-smiles affair was aptly ended by an address delivered with a smile that could not have grown any wider. Dr. Zimba again assumed the podium and all but embraced the new graduates in a big collective hug as he addressed them one last time charging them with the duty to be envoys of Northrise University and above all God Almighty.

 
The future looks bright and the present is already sparkling. The choir led the procession out with another praise song marking the end of the ceremony.

My name is Banji, one of the Bachelor of Information Technology graduates from Northrise University (2009). Who would have thought I actually could- (maybe myself at one point or other) – but it sure does feel different from the feeling I thought it would be like.

Graduating gives an awesome feeling that every person should have a chance to experience. As a person, I feel like it has added so much value to my life, and intellectual successes. I feel like a champion.

Studying is not the end for me as I want to have another degree but this time in Buisness Administration. Who knows, I may do more degrees and MBAs.. It gives you the feeling that you have achieved something that most people do not believe you’re capable of achieving. Im an achiever!