People would normally ask me where I am these days because am not seen around as much. I tell them I am at Northrise University, and they would always be like “Ohh! Northrise University… ummm… excuse me, where exactly is that? And I would respond saying “in Ndola”. After a second they remember and say “oh yes, Northrise in Ndola right?” And I am like… “Yes!” while in the back of my head am thinking, I just told you that and now you’re trying to act like am the one asking you about Northrise.

“So how is that place like?” “How is the lecturing, the standards of the school?” “Do you enjoy being there?” My usual answers are: “I find the environment very pleasing, clean and comfortable; I have no health concerns. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming to the students, ideal for studies, group discussions and interaction with other scholars.” “I like the lectures; they are awesome!” The library is well stocked with a wide range of books to choose from.

“So, are the students good and do you benefit from your interactions? “
“Well, they are good students who learn in a state of the art environment.” I tell them this because Northrise introduces students to new technologies in terms of studies, exams and any academic activity needed by a student. This greatly prepares us for leadership in the technology-based society.

“And what about your grading system?”
“Well, we use the GPA system but why don’t you come and learn more from Northrise.” I prefer not to go in details about the GPA just because I would confuse them, instead I encourage them to come and learn more about the school in person and the good education it has to offer.
And at times am asked “do you see yourself completing in four years at Northrise University?”

My response is… guess…
“Ha! Of course I will!” for God is always with me and will see me through.
“Well, my man thanks huh!” “I will come around.” And the conversation ends with me saying “you’re welcome, see you around”.

On 21st of April 2012, all roads lead to the Northrise University (NU) Main Campus on the Kitwe-Ndola highway where the 5th NU Graduation Ceremony was taking place outside Kuhula House. From the exotic regalia worn by the graduands and other officiating guests and faculty to the interior graceful décor inside the tent, the graduation ceremony had a touch of grandeur.

The graduands were certified as eligible for graduation and presented as graduates. Each of them walked majestically and doffed (tip one’s hat) to the Chancellor (Dr. David Lawson – NU Deputy Chancellor) then with enthusiasm received their certificates, diplomas and degrees. That, a moment of pride and joy! A filling of satisfaction and achievement! Shouts of joy resounded around the tent as families, friends and other witnesses applauded to recognize their hard work.

After the awarding of diplomas, the valedictorian took to the podium and charged her fellow graduates to be kind and aspire to make the world a better place. Pastor Rob Buckingham, the executive pastor of Baysight Church who graced the occasion with his presence as Guest of Honor, encouraged both graduates and guests that even in the midst of wickedness and suffering we must become relevant to our communities and pray for SHALOM in the city of Ndola. In his address, Dr. Moffat Zimba (President and Vice Chancellor of NU), charged the graduates to work hard as they go forth and press on to a bright future as true ambassadors of Northrise University. To end the ceremony, Mrs. Doreen Zimba (Vice President of NU) thanked the graduates for having made the choice to attain a quality education at Northrise University and gave glory to God for being their sustainer and provider.

Northrise University is proud and continues to celebrate their achievement.

Registration begins at 5:30pm with silent auction bidding. Dinner and program to follow from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

We have plenty of room for YOU at this year’s auction!  We hope to fill the room with as many friends as possible in order to hear how God is at work at Northrise University and how lives are being changed in Zambia.

Join us for good food, fun, and bidding all to support the students in Zambia!

For more information click here or contact Kathy Pipkin 949-270-0840

I do not keep track of my age by my birthday anymore but by the landmarks I conquer in my studies. Gone are the days I worried of getting advanced in age, the satirical biological clock ticking by the candles on my cake and all that. Now I know that am older because I have been at Northrise for years, done 3 seminars already, passed, failed, redone a few courses and still have a long way to go. I recognize what I have achieved while here yet there is still more to be done for me to look proudly at my Lord on judgment day and say…“Yes Lord, you gave me X number of years and I lived them to the fullest“, a great investment is ahead of me, right?

listening attentively

The seminar I attended at the beginning of this semester was good – Community Development with Dr. Blair. It was wonderful how she patiently taught us, in not so many words; wake up children, helping others to better themselves is part of your culture, Ubuntu (spirit of kinship) is your personal inherited ethos, and all you have to do is embrace it. I hope we all heard her. Ending a great week of seminars for NU students was the triumph of our Zambian Chipolopolo boys as we beat the star studded Ivory Coast ensemble. I had no doubt in my mind the boys would do us proud… and make us proud they did.

Pondering on what we learnt, I realized we have the ability to do great things. Look at our team, and the fact that against all odds, we are now Africa’s number one. I discover more and more each day that Dr. Blair had a point; there is more you can do in numbers if you work together than you can accomplish on your own… So value your time, value your peers to work as a team and accomplish greatness.  So that at the end of it all,  the Lord can applaud you saying , “great investment child!”.

The Chipolopolo Boys have done Zambia proud! Win or lose the euphoria that was in the air since the mid-week (Wednesday, 8th Feb) win against Ghana certainly left Zambian fans in hope that we could bring the Africa Cup of Nations trophy home to Zambia!

The game was intense and exciting… Many Zambians watched on the edge of their seats as the young team soldiered on with nerves of steel. The nation took to the streets in wild celebrations when Sunzu scored the winning penalty during the sudden death shootout. They sang, danced and chanted the slogans “Zambia! Zambia!” and “Chipolopolo! Iye!” Vuvuzelas (blow horns) and whistles echoed as the entire country displayed their delight, joy and pride of being Zambian.

Winning the trophy is a great achievement and the team has dedicated it to the honour of the former Zambian National Team that died in a plane crash off the coast of Gabon on 27th April 1993 as they travelled to a FIFA World Cup Qualifier. Congrats Zambia!!! You are the soccer giants of Africa… Now we look forward to bringing the World Cup home

By Agness, Pimpa and Banji
Photo from BBC Sports

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