NUI Blog - Northrise University Initiative

By Agness Nshindano

After many months of waiting, Northrise University’s dream of having classes at the main campus has finally come to light. Yesterday, May 4th 2011, NU held its very first classes at Kuhula House, the Business Building at the main campus. Students who attended classes there have nothing but praise for the top-notch building and furnishing.

One student said,

“it’s unbelievable how awesome this place is… so serene, and I just love it…”

I certainly agree: you fall in love with the place the very moment you enter the gates. The quiet and peaceful surrounds prove a perfect complement to the building, making it ideal for learning. And, it’s absolutely a place full of color.

An interview with Matildah Mutale, a first year student at Northrise University who has just completed her first term today; Friday, April 14, 2011. This is Matilda’s first ever experience of university life.

Q: How was the very first term at Northrise?
A: Well, it was quite an experience. Challenging at first but I tried to adapt to the situation.
Q: How did you find the mid-term exams?
A: OMG, those exams where something else, not close to what I expected.
Q: So after midterm, did you change your study strategy?
A: Definitely, instead of taking my courses lightly, I saw the need to up the game, and to concentrate on the objectives. I also started understanding the course material a little more.
Q: Any exam that you enjoyed writing?
A: Sure (with a smile) Computer Literacy Basics; just loved it.
Q: So, what are you looking forward to most this coming term?
A: Perhaps becoming an A student since I have learnt my lessons.
Q: So, are you happy that you are going on break?
A: Who wouldn’t be, it’s quite a relief from all the pressure and stress of studying.
Q: And how would you describe your social life at Northrise?
A: People here are friendly so you will get your social life going, like it or not.
Q: Do you like Northrise University?
A: Very much, especially the atmosphere and lectures.

Mulenga Chella is a class of 2007 graduate who returned to Northrise University to study for his  bachelor’s degree in theology. Today, Mulenga is a 4th year student and also leading a church of 400 members that is located in a mining area of Zambia. While studying at Northrise, a door was opened for him to visit the United States as the guest speaker during the 9th Annual Norhrise Auction Banquet.

“Wow, I am blessed to be here. Coming into contact with sponsors and friends of Northrise is a great privilege. I have been shown so much love and have received good hospitality and care, and people are excited to see one of the products of Northrise University. Our friends and sponsors of Northrise University really love us.”

While in America, Mulenga was able to share his testimony with friends of Northrise, preach at a number of churches, and act as the guest of honor at the Northrise Auction Banquet. Click on the link below to hear Mulenga’s story from the banquet.

Mulenga’s Story

by Chibozu Mambo

Northrise University launched the first one-on-one speaker series this year on the 25th of February. The sole purpose of the program is to provide encouragement and motivation to all students. The first speaker was Pastor George Chanda from Bread of Life Church, Ndola, a farmer by birth, teacher by profession, and pastor by calling. Pastor Chanda interestingly shared on the need for having a mentor and gave a few pointers on how to actually find one.

For March, Mr. Phesto Musonda, a CEO and Chairman of Sub-Saharan Gemstone Exchange and Phoenix Materials Limited, graced the University students with his presence. He did not hesitate to share his knowledge and wide experience on business. Mr. Musonda mentioned that planning is at the core of business. Furthermore, the five factors that complement business are character, climate, structure, leadership, and information. Alongside these factors, it is vital to take note of competitors and the weaknesses they possess while keeping in mind the need for innovation—a big plus in today’s business market. Tulemye Mpengula, a 3rd year BIT student confidently said, “Listening to Mr. Musonda has not only helped me learn what it takes to be in business but also what holds its helm.”  One profound statement that is still vivid is, “In business, without planning you cannot succeed.”

by Chisha Mwansa

Do you remember when you were young, you would look to the sky making shapes out of clouds and naming birds as they fly by. As time has gone by, you have grown older, taller, wiser, and you are probably focused on more important matters of your life like school or work or family. As important as our priorities are, we may have forgotten one very important thing; to take another look at the sky…  To be thankful to the Lord our God who created us and the never disappointing Sky that has given us so much joy and beauty for every moment of our lives; the same sky that holds our secrets, sorrows, joy, past and future. May I draw your attention to E. E. Cummings (1894 – 1962) a U.S. poet and painter who wrote:

“i thank You God for this most amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes…”

Let us take a moment to be grateful for the things that may seem simple yet very complex, like laughter and peace,  or hope for the future, an education, a job, or perhaps family and friends or the sky…

by Kalelwa Chilombo

You know how you wake up sometimes and just feel like hope is lost, you think school or work is unbearable and you grumble to yourself!  Well, life could be worse, because while you are complaining that school is tough or work is overwhelming, there is somebody out there who would love to be you. They try anything to have an opportunity to get an education or find a job, but they don’t! Simply because they cannot afford to or there aren’t enough jobs to go round.

If you asked those that are motivated, determined and courageous, they would tell you, it’s all about putting your best foot forward. Really, it’s what we make out of life that matters and not as much what life brings our way.  Therefore be thankful for the gift of life, education, talents and a chance to make a difference one step at a time.

A few weeks ago, Dr. Zimba posed a challenge to the guys side of the Northrise dorm: to complete a 1000 piece puzzle in a week’s time. Read their story here.  Excited about the guys success, Dr. Zimba took the puzzle to the girls side of the dorm with the same challenge, with an added twist!  If the Northrise ladies could beat the guys, they would recieve 6 Northrise chickens as their reward!  With the burning fire of competition, and a desire to put the guys to shame, the ladies went to work!  Rumor has it, the ladies did not sleep until they managed to finish the puzzle, in only 28 hours!  Mathmatically speaking, the ladies had to add 35 correct pieces an hour to complete all 1000 pieces in that amount of time!  Not much room for error.  The ladies of the Northrise dorms finished at 3am screaming “In-your-face guys!”

Congratulations to the Northrise ladies at the boarding house!

If Northrise University were in the business of selling pain-killers, the commodity would probably be out of stock by now. You see, it’s now week 5 in the school calendar. That translates to groggy, sleep-deprived faces floating around the Northrise halls, a fully packed (but eerily silent) library of students desperately trying to stuff their brains, and people feverishly tapping away at their lab workstations.  Carrim Banda (Systems Administrator) would probably confirm that he has never seen so many hits on Educational websites by our student body. And Facebook would probably complain of the reverse

It’s week 5 in the school calendar and everyone has mid-term exams next week!!!

Aaah! The school right now is a sight that would warm the heart of any devoted lecturer.

Throughout the Arizona desert, the pitter-patter of feet can be heard as thousands of runners prepare for the grueling 197-mile Ragnar Relay Del Sol race from Wickenburg to Tempe. That’s correct: we said 197 miles…of running…in the desert. To make it just a little more interesting, participants will endure running around the clock for over 24 hours; stuffing into 12-passenger vans; navigating the course and logistics; operating on little to no sleep; fueling up on PB&Js, gummy worms, granola bars and the like; and you can pretty much forget the idea of a shower.

Thousands have accepted the daunting challenge to participate in this adventure, but only 12 runners have accepted the challenge to “Run for the Future!” Rhino Crash Running Team has chosen to run to sponsor a student at Northrise University. On average, each team member will run the equivalent of a 10k to Half Marathon. With each step during their leg of the race, runners hope to raise awareness and financial support to sponsor a student at NU for a year. Team Captain and 4 time Ragnar Veteran, Kelly Young, expressed her enthusiasm in running for Northrise stating, “People always ask me, ‘Why are you running this relay, what cause is it supporting?’  I would love to say ‘Northrise University and here’s how you can help…’”

Northrise family: the challenge is out. Will you join Rhino Crash Running by joining their adventure and sponsoring a student for a year? Join in the adventure by clicking here.  You can also go out and support the team by cheering them on February 25 or 26. Contact Danny Estavillo at danny.estavillo@northrise.org for a race map and support info.

A big thank you to Rhino Crash Running!!! God bless you and best of luck!!!!!

by Chisha Mwansa

How long does it take for an NU student to complete a 1000 Piece puzzle? This is not just a mere child’s play puzzle but let me emphasize; a 1000 piece puzzle. Dr. Zimba challenged the male students at the boarding house on 26th January 2011 to complete a 1000 piece puzzle by the 4th of February 2011. Passionately accepting the challenge, the boys got ‘cracking ‘. With the combined effort of 17 students, the victors managed to complete the puzzle in just four days, specifically at 01:43hrs on the fourth day (30th January 2011). Such regular challenges keep  us alert as students and we are willing to tackle them time and time again. Bravo guys at the NU boarding house.