11-24-09
by Choongo Hamoonga
Thanksgiving has been an annual tradition in the United States since 1863, and only became a federal holiday in 1941. Originally, thanksgiving was a religious observation to offer thanks to God. However, it is now identified as a secular holiday. On every last Thursday of November, families and friends gather together to share the thanksgiving dinner, which usually comprises of turkey to the extent that thanksgiving is sometimes referred to as “turkey day”.
The celebration of thanksgiving is accompanied by interesting activities such as vacations and travel, parades, shopping, and sports with American football being a thanksgiving favorite. It is without doubt that thanksgiving is one of the most important and exciting periods of the American calendar.
In our homeland, Zambia, Thanksgiving is a day that some people have just come to learn about through the movies and magazines. We do not celebrate thanksgiving the Native American way but certainly we have a lot to be grateful for.
The story of Northrise University is one such thing as it stands as a reminder for us to continually give thanks. Once upon a time, NU was nothing but a dream. And through God’s divine intervention, that dream has become a reality.
During this period of thanksgiving, remember to say a prayer to God; give thanks for Northrise University as well as people God has used to transform the dream into reality. Without the family of Northrise, there would be no story to tell. What a better time than this to say thank you all for your sacrifice, support and prayers that keep the dream of Northrise alive.
Happy Thanksgiving To You All!
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11-17-09
by Duke Muchindu
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. In this particular case it is fitting to say this picture is worth a thousand and one words.
On one somber afternoon, Enock Misebo, a 1st year student who is a member of the media team walked into Northrise Services and asked for the Nikon D40 camera. His eyes were beaming with enthusiasm and his fingers were itching to hold the camera. All he expressed was that it had been a while since he worked the camera and wanted to do so on this particular day. I was more than glad to let him have it for the afternoon.
He brought back the camera about 2 hours later and asked me to have a look at the photos he had taken. I was amazed at how outstanding his photos were. Students like him have a creative streak that is slowly being unlocked through their interest in extra curricula activities such as those of the media team. Each one of us is talented. All we have to do is look within and ask God to show us our talent.
It is because of team players like Enock that the engine of the media team is still running. Thanks to our friends Dave, Danny, Tony, Sebra, Justin and Kelby training who gave their time and resources to impart knowledge to NS and the entire Media team.
It is beyond words. It is an experience.
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11-12-09
by Agness Nshindano
The Northrise Business Building, which is scheduled to be completed and handed over to the University by January 2010 is making steady progress.
The entire building has since been roofed and is currently undergoing internal plastering. Installation of door frames and window frames started in the last week of October and is progressing well.
The rainy season is almost here and generally in Zambia, construction slows down due to bad whether. But come rain or sunshine, the contractor is eager to move at the same pace. As reported by the Business Manager, Mr. Laston Hamoonga, this business building project is on schedule. It is the desire of Northrise that it will remain that way even with the coming of the rains.
Get regular updates on the campus construction progress here. Or be a part of what Northrise University is doing in Zambia, get involved.
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11-12-09
President Rupiah Banda says his administration is working to develop the education sector because it is key to economic development.
The President says education plays an important role in national development. He was speaking when he toured Chama boarding High School in Eastern province on Monday where he encouraged students at the school to study hard in order for them to make a meaningful contribution to national development.
Mr. Banda however said he was sad to note that infrastructure at Chama High School has deteriorated and assured school authorities that government is doing everything possible to address the problem.
President Banda also encouraged female students not to rush into early marriages.
Mr. Banda is on a four day tour of the Eastern province.
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Article published on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Website.
Go to story source
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11-05-09
by Godfrey Mpala
As the saying goes, all work and no play makes John a dull boy.
NU students are striking a fine balance between work and recreation. On an ordinary weekday, one would see students busy moving from one class to another, discussing group topics, and some, buried under a gigantic pile of books. An independent observer would think these students “do not have a life”. But when assignments and enough studies have been done, students take time to engage in recreational activities which not only make them relax but also significantly impact their mental and physical health positively, qualities that are desirable to have as students.
Some of the recreational activities you’ll see students engaged in include: Chess, Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer and singing, which currently have the largest following. The students have learnt a vital lesson; performing well in class does not call for one to be a bookworm but requires having an effective balance amongst the different factors that affect their health and mental soundness. We are not all about theories and intricate philosophies but theories and philosophies plus a whole lot of healthy fun!!
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10-29-09
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…
Posted in Education, Graduation | 7 Comments »
10-21-09
by Lisa Addeo
On the evening of October 16th over 200 people came to The Art Benefit to support the students of Northrise University through art and entertainment.
The tent was filled with excited guests as they dined on fabulous food and were energized by musical guests, Molly Jensen and The Pawn Shop Kings. The gallery was filled with original art and photography by Justin Clark, Joe Curran, Linda Lawler, Kim Hapke, Larry McAdams, Sandra Ortega, Brett Hillyard, Raymond G. Otis, Sandra Ortega, Dave Cheatham, Tony Elliot and Sabra Gertsch.
Back in the tent the crowd came together to raise money for the “Give Me 5” campaign. As they enjoyed endless delicious food they understood that 8,000 miles away the students of NU faced a different story. A story that says the average Zambian eats only one meal per day! That is why they came together that night, so they could change that story for the students of NU. For just $5, a student can eat for a week at Northrise. So they raised their glasses and joined in to make sure that the students could enjoy a good meal every single day.
At the evening’s close the total amount raised was $15,000! As the lights dimmed and the tent came down we stood humbled by our supporters’ generosity. We looked around and asked ourselves how in such a crazy economic time can the generosity of others continue to flow towards Northrise? It is simple; they came and they gave because like you and I, they wanted to be part of the change God is doing in Zambia. Join us as we continue this change together
Want more info on Give Me 5? Click here. Or Check out pictures from The Art Benefit 2 here
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10-20-09
By Banji Simasiku
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for everyone. Many studies have found a relationship between eating breakfast and an improved learning experience. However, you cannot survive throughout the week on breakfast alone. Especially if you are a student and your learning ability, attention span, and general well-being is dependent on a good and nutritious meal in a day. For most students here at Northrise, lunch will be the most important meal of their day and Northrise strives to provide at least that meal, lunch, for its students and staff.
Since 2006, Northrise has been providing its students with lunch at a minimal fee of about 10 to 22 cents per meal. At that price you may wonder just what kind of meal you can get, and if it could be palatable.
The menu varies each week and ranges from fries, sausage and a vegetable salad one day, to nshima (staple food, also referred to as pap) with chicken (sometimes supplied by Northrise Farms) and a vegetable such as cabbage, on another day; or rice, a steak and a vegetable salad on the next day. On average, such meals would cost from about US$3.25 to US$6.49 at a regular restaurant in Zambia. For the typical student here at Northrise, that kind of money could be better spent on “priority” needs such as bus fare to and from school, exercise books, or even for at least two meals for the family at home. This clearly indicates that the daily meal at Northrise is not just a privilege but also a necessity for the students to fully experience a happy and enjoyable university life.
Students have expressed happiness and delight to find a good meal at such a price. It goes without saying that such a meal would not be possible had it not been for the generosity of the Northrise sponsors who continue to give and feed us. Thank you is not enough to express the gratitude felt towards your bigheartedness. May God bless you and provide for you where you lack. Thank you – Give Me 5!
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10-20-09
by Banji Simasiku
“Let the guest come so that the host or hostess may benefit.” This is an African proverb, which denotes that the guest or visitor brings many blessings for the local people and home. Northrise is always delighted to receive guests. On the 27th of August, Northrise received two more guests who will be with us until late October. These are Mr. Graeme and Dr. Merryl Blair from Australia.
Dr. Merryl Blair volunteered to instruct Northrise’s Bachelor of Theology students in a course, Old Testament Theology, for 6 weeks. Her course objectives are to introduce her students to the Old Testament in the Bible, and to teach specifics such as the Psalms, Prophets, and Odyssey. In her teaching, Dr. Blair hopes to relay how the Old Testament helps us to grapple with our faith. “The Old Testament can be read with an eye about what it wants us to know about God and Jesus,” she said. She is a Lecturer in Old Testament Studies at the Churches of Christ Theological College in Melbourne.
Dr. Blair also revealed that she is learning from both her students and her staying here in Ndola, Zambia. To her, this journey has reaffirmed that “God is indeed the God for the poor, and he gives justice for them.” One of her greatest challenge is seeing how that we, the people of Zambia, live community rather than talk community.
Students have admitted that her teaching style is easy to follow and one in particular greatly appreciates how Dr. Blair takes time to make sure that everybody in the class is on the same page.
Apart from instructing, Dr. Blair has also shared during Chapel on three consecutive Mondays here at Northrise, as she is an ordained minister with the Churches of Christ in Australia. Mr. Blair has also been a great blessing in many countless ways, especially to the Northrise Network team for having helped with re-wiring of the entire computer network at Caravelle House, Northrise University’s current campus location.
The Blairs also had a great opportunity to make a presentation about Ethics at the Human Recourse National Convention under the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management held in Lusaka (the capital city of Zambia). The Convention gathered over 200 Human Resource practitioners from around the country and a few other presenters from neighboring countries like South Africa.
Undeniably, Northrise benefits more and more with each visitor that comes and it is only hoped that the Blairs are just among the many to come and bless us. We wish the Blairs God’s blessings in their lives.
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10-10-09
by Mwape Chilombo
It is that magical time of the year again; the Festive Season with Christmas just around the corner. Northrise University’s academic year has come to an end. After months of study and hard work, students finally have a chance to take the longest holiday in the University calendar (school closes from 27th November to 18th January 2010).
Certainly, this holiday is the most exciting as it is the season of sharing. Many people around the world take time off of their busy schedules and do something out of the ordinary. Some take the opportunity to tour other countries and see the magnificent scenery. Others enjoy it better without the hassles of travel. I wondered what Northrise students will be up to and out of interest, I decided to interview some. Here is what they had to say:
“I will be home for most of the holiday. I am really looking forward to this years’ Christmas by Candlelight at my church. This is an interesting program that encompasses the story of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the singing of Christmas Carols over candlelight, as well as laughter and joy. I know most churches have this program every year.” - Kalelwa chilombo (1st year student)
“Am planning to work a little to raise money for school next term. But otherwise it will be a long break from school with a lot of rest.” - Christopher Mutanuka (1st year student)
Other students plan on doing a lot of visiting with friends, cousins, grandparents and all they missed during school terms. Staff members also have plans of visiting relatives and their home lands (villages). However, the most popular response from students was that they’d be spending Christmas with family, especially those that come from out of town and couldn’t wait to go back home.
As Northrise Students, Staff and Faculty, we wish you all a good Christmas. Let Jesus be the reason for the season and remember to spend it with your loved ones. Thank you for your commitment and love towards Northrise University. We’ve seen a good year go by with your love and support and for that we appreciate and shout, “MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!” Both to you and your families…
Click here to check out the Northrise Christmas catalog.
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