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Author: Invo

  • TUMBIRI BWALONI

    Na Mariita Joshua Ongoro

    Nimefika kwenye bwalo, nipo foleni nawaona wanachuo kila mtu kashika hamsini zake. Nina mkoba wangu wa ngozi umening’inia begani na kila ninapotembea, mkoba nao unacheza densi ya shwii shwaa. Mwanangu nakumbuka kipindi kile nilikuwa shule ya msingi kijijini Gusii; Mabonde na milima, nilishuka na kupanda nikiwa na kijikoba cheusi chenye mkanda wa mchungwa. Unaelewa jinsi mvua ikianza kunya, hasa pale kijijini, hamna pa kujikinga maana migomba ya ndizi kila sehemu. Itakubidi ukurupuke mbio huku mkoba nao unakucharaza makofi kwenye vilima vya mwili – yaani makalio. Kaptura nayo ina vijisehemu vya kuingizia hewa kwa jinsi ilivyoraruka na kuchakaa, utadhani sehemu ile ya nyuma ina macho. Ukishafika nyumbani baada ya kukurupuka ja Nyantika Maiyoro, mkimbiaji shupavu wa Gusii siku za nyuma, utadhani madaftari kahariwa kule nyuma kumbe unyevunyevu na harufu ya jasho nzito.

    Safari hii nimeepuka kuvaa kaptura ya aina yoyote na mkoba nimehakiki si wa mchungwa. Ingawaje ni mweusi, sasa ni wa ngozi, si wa nyuzi wala kitenge. Zamu yangu ya kuhudumiwa inatimia. “Nipe chai kwa maandazi halafu unitilie kayai kamoja.” Ninatamka bila ya kujali sarufi. Mbali na udunisho wa ‘kayai kamoja’ Inanikumbusha kuwa, ukienda Mwanza, basi utajutia kutohudumiwa unaposema ‘nipe’ kwani unamiliki wewe bidhaa hiyo? Tusiseme mengi maana hata salamu huja mwanzo. Je, Pwani yetu ya Kenya, maadili yamedumishwa ama vijana wameroga ufanisi huu kwa lugha za mitaani kama Shembeteng’ ya Jeshijinga? Kwanza hata kuwasikia leo imekuwa siwapati. Jamani nijibuni; Waliendapi Jeshijinga?

    Taratibu natembea nikikokota miguu kana kwamba nipo mwezini ili nisilambe sakafu kwa pupa zangu. Naangaza macho yangu kuelekea meza iliyo pembeni mwa mlango wa kuvukia kwenda sehemu ya pili ya bwalo hili. Natabasamu japo mwonekano huu utadhani ninalia ndo maana hata nikaambiwa eti sura yangu mimi inaweza kuwachekesha wagonjwa hospitalini wakavunja mbavu hadi kupona kwa jinsi ilivyojaa makunyanzi. Basi ninapunguza tabasamu hilo la kutisha ninapokumbuka maneno ya abu. Ninachongea mezani na kuchukua uma. Cha kushangaza ni kwamba sikufahamu kuwa baada ya kumiminiwa chai pale bwaloni, ni jukumu langu kujitilia sukari. Mimi naye ninaenda zangu mezani na ninaonja ile chai, Lo! “Mbona hawatii sukari bwanaaa? Hii chai bubu sasa…” Ninajinung’unikia kwa tafsiri ya mama- bubu ni kinywaji kisichokuwa na sukari kwenye lugha ya kisiri ya Gusii. Muda nao unakwenda sana. Siwezi kurudi ili nitie sukari maana hata nishazoe mimi. “Kwanza sukari ni sumu mwilini, ni vizuri kunywa ya namna hii maana ni afya hii.” Ninajishawishi.

    Punde tu nikiwa mjadalani, nasikia purukushani, viti vinasongasonga ovyoovyo. Ala! Hamna mtu bwaloni hasa upande huu wa chini. “Basi nini?” Ninakodoa macho upande wa kushoto nawaona tumbiri, mama yangu! Hivi, nitakunywa chai kweli ama nimewanunulia hawa wapumbavu? Tunaangaliana maana kila mmoja yuko chonjo. Kidogo tumbiri anaruka mezani. Mimi ni mwanaume siwezi kuchezewa shere hii. Ninanyanyua mkono na kuuchezesha kuelekea kwake yule mshenzi, kana kwamba ni nyoka anayeinda na huku usoni nimetia makunyanzi tishti.

    Ni kweli tumbili naye alihofia maisha yake mafupi ila hakuchoka. “Mimi kwanza ni mwanamme na tumbiri huwaogopa sana wanaume. Si nawaona jinsi wanavyowaangaisha wanadada chuoni zaidi ya wanaume.” Nikajitia nguvu. Upo wakati nilikuwa nikitokea zangu maabara ya kompyuta kule epada yaani EPD, kwa umbali nikawaona wanadada wamekongamana sehemu moja kijia-panda cha SBE. Nikawa sina habari ya lile kundi lililozubaa. Basi kwa mpito wangu nikiwa nimetangulia nawasikia nyuma yangu wamefuata. Ninashangaa. Kumbe mwanangu, wasichana wale walikuwa hawana mtu wa kuwavusha kwenye bahari shamu ya tumbiri waliofurika nje ya shule ya sheria. Basi nikawa Musa niongozaye huku nyuma yangu Waisraeli wamenifuata wakielekea ‘Kanani.’

    Kwenye idara ya Saikolojia, ipo nadharia inayoitwa; Uhamisho wa elimu ambayo kwa kimombo tunaita ‘transfer of knowledge’ ambayo hufundisha kwamba, mtu husuluhisha tatizo kutokana na kusoma yaliyotendeka nyumaye. Mimi kama mwanasaikolojia nilikumbuka kuwa hawa tumbiri huwaogopa wanaume. Basi, mimi ni nani? Lazima niwatishe hawa washenzi. Lakini haikuwa rahisi. Mezani ninaamua kupapia maandazi yale ili angalau nisitoke bilashi. Sasa siwezi kutumia uma kula kwa ustaarabu ila mikono. Upande mwingine namsikia tumbiri mvunguni mwa meza anatapatapa kwa kucha zake. Ninaanza kurusha mateke, “Mniache bwana.” Ila ninapomshtua basi anaruka mezani. Kwa ufundi huu wa kula ninasafisha sahani FYU na ninabakia na yai. Chai sijanywa. Ninachukua uma na kuanza kutoa maganda lakini siwezi maana nimekazwa sana. Naitumia mikono tena. Ninatafuna kipapachipapachi huku nikiangazaangaza macho utadhani naiba kula. “Basi mnyweni hiyo chai ‘bubu’ maana hata haina faida.” Ninakejeli nikijipangusa midomo kwa hanchifu yangu ya zambarau na madoadoa ya samawati. Nimeshinda vita maana hata chai hawakunywa.

     

  • Harambee Stars Gear Up for Crucial Qualifiers with Dynamic Squad Selection

    By Onyangor248@gmail.com

    Thursday, October 3rd

    As Kenya prepares for a pivotal encounter against Cameroon, Harambee stars head coach Firat has unveiled an exciting 28-man squad that combines local talent with overseas professionals. This strategic selection marks a significant step in the team’s quest to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

    The announcement comes as the team faces heightened expectations following the absence of key players in recent matches. Notably, Captain Michael Olunga is making a highly anticipated return after missing last month’s World Cup Qualifiers match against Zimbabwe and Namibia. His leadership and goal-scoring prowess will be essential as Kenya looks to secure a crucial victory in the first leg on October 11th.

    Firats squad reflects his vision of blending youthful energy with seasoned experience. The inclusion of emerging local talents alongside established professionals illustrates a commitment to fostering a competitive and cohesive unit. With players from various leagues coming together, Harambee Stars aim to build on their past performances and advance to the continental tournament.

    The team will enter a residential camp starting October 4th, allowing the players to focus on their preparations for the upcoming fixture. This concentrated training period is crucial, as the coaching staff will work to instill tactical discipline and unity among the players, ensuring they are ready to face a formidable opponent like Cameroon.

    The stakes are high for harambee Stars, as their performance in these qualifiers will not only determine their path to AFCON but also shape the future of Kenya football on the continental stage. The combination of Olungas’ return and the strategic squad selection embody Firats ambition to build a resilient team capable of competing at the highest level.

    As the countdown to the match begins, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this carefully curetted squad can deliver the results needed to reignite Kenya’s football aspirations. The future looks promising, but it will ultimately be the players on the pitch who determine the game.

    Kenya provisional squad for AFCON 2025 Qualifiers:

    Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno (Richards Bay), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Omondi (Bandari)

    Defenders: Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Daniel Anyembe ( Viborg), Amos Nondi (Ararat), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Johnstone Omurwa ( Abha ), Collins Sichenje (Vijvodina), Joseph Okumu (Remis). Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Eric Ouma (Rakow)

    Midfielders: David Odoyo(Tusker), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada( Dundee United), John Ochieng ( Zanaco), Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars)

    Forwards: John Avire ( El Sekka El Hadid), Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail), Jonah Ayunga(St. Mirren), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Sydney Lokale( AFC Leopards), Alfred Scriven (Bryne FK)

    By Onyangor248@gmail.com

     

     

     

  • STR8 UP YAALIKA KIZAZI CHA GEN Z

    Na Leeroy Wuone

    Wanafunzi wa chuo kikuu cha Daystar shule ya mawasiliano walihudhuria hafla iliyoandaliwa Standard group mnamo Jumamosi tarehe 28 Septemba mwaka wa 2024.Wanafunzi kumi na watatu walihudhuria hafla hio iliyobandikwa jina “Siku ya ubunifu ya kizazi cha Gen-Z’’.

    Lengo la Standard group la kuandaa hafla hio ilikuwa kuwahamasisha wanafunzi kuhusu mambo yanavyoendelea kwenye studio pale Standard group na ambavyo watu tofauti tofauti hushirikiana kila siku kuleta habari kemkem za hivi punde kila siku,zaidi ilikuwa siku ya kutangamana na wasanii kwenye sekta mbalimbali mfano ni anayejulikana kwa jina mluo_social.light ambaye alihudhuria hafla hiyo na kikosii chake ambao wametamba kwenye majukwaa ya mitandao ya kijamii kama Instagram na Tiktok.

    Aliyetuzungusha kwenye sakafu ya kwanza “ red carpet’’ alisema kuwa uchapishaji wa magazeti ndio ulikuwa mwanzo wa the standard group kisha ikaja enzi ya televisheni na baadaye habari kwneye mitandao ya kijamii.

    Kelly alipeana mfano akisema kwamba tuseme iwapo mwanahabari ametumwa kule CBK kwenye hafla ya uchapishaji wa noti mpya hawezi kuiweka taarifa hio mtandaoni bila kuwajulisha wahariri ambao wako kwenye chumba cha habari.

    Kupangwa kwa red carpet ulikuwa kimkakati ndiposa waandishi wa habari hao waweze kufanya kazi kwa kijumla ili kushinda ushindani.Alitujulisha kuwa zile tahadhari za kwanza za habari hutumwa kwenye “radar desk’’ kwenye kituo cha Standard group. Lengo lao pia ni kulisambaza habari vilivyo bila kuutia chumvi .

    “Checkpoint’’ ilikuwa katikati na hapo ndipo habari za kiteknolojia kama kilimo na hata mambo ya takwimu yalifanyiwa utafiti kabla habari kupeperushwa.Mfano wa takwimu ni kwa mfano idadi ya magari ambayo Wakenya hununua na magari yapi kwa idadi?

    Iwapo mwanahabari ana tashwishi na utafiki wake ya nambari ataelekea kwa wanaofanya hapo checkpoint kwa usaidizi mwafaka. Alizidisha kwa kusema iwapo wanaofanya hapo checkpoint wapokee hadithi yako kama mwanahabari,wanaweza kupa takwimu zaidi ambayo ni sahihi mno.

    Mwanafunzi mmoja aliuliza kuhusu watu ambao wanaendesha tarakimu zilizoandikwa kwenye runinga pale kwenye red carpet kisha alijibu ya kwamba kuna wasanidi wa wavuti ama ukipenda kwa kiingereza “web developers’’ ambao kazi yao ni kujumuisha idadi ya Wakenya wanaosoma taarifa za magazeti kwa siku moja.

    Mwishowe wageni walitumbuizwa na hata kucheza densi. Watu waliweza kujifunza mengi na hata kujenga mahusiano na wakubwa katika sekta ya mawasiliano.

     

  • HEKAHEKA ZA MUHULA WA SEPTEMBA

    Na Mariita Joshua Ongoro

    Ni kweli kwamba mihula ya masomo hapa chuoni huwa na mambo yanayochipuka mwanzoni, kati na hata mwishoni. Muhula ukianza kawaida kuna kule kung’ang’ana na hali ya ulipaji karo, usajili wa masomo na mahudhurio ya mara kwa mara. Zaidi, hamna jambo linalobubujisha msongo wa mawazo kama vile kukosa chumba cha kupanga. Je, ni wangapi huzurura kotekote, mapana na marefu, kujaribisha nasibu ya kupanga angalau hata mabatini? Wakati mwingine huambulia patupu kwa kusononeshwa na kauli za wasimamizi wa vyumba vya kupanga, “Hamna chumba labda ujaribishe huko Portland.” Tabu. “ Ama kama hutojali, kunacho chumba pembeni kuleee… hakina umeme ila baadhi ya wenzenu wameshawahi kuishi siku za nyumba hali hii ilipojitokeza.” Utamsikia akiongeza kwa kutojali kana kwamba ni jeuri.

    Mbanano wa wanachuo nje ya shule imeleta hali chanya na pia hasi. Vyumba vya kupanga kila sehemu vimebeba mamia ya wanachuo na ni dhahiri kwamba wamiliki wa vyumba hivyo, hawajajutia ujenzi wao japo uliwagharimu kiasi kikubwa cha fedha. Kwa upande mwingine, uhitaji wa upangaji umeibua mijadala na hisia tofautitofauti kuhusu ongezo la kodi. Vyumba ni vile vile, hali ni ile ile, wanafunzi ni wale wale, maji ni yale yale tena ya chumvi; itakuwaje kuongeza kodi hata muda hamna vyumba vya kupanga? Sarakasi hii, pengine inawafaidi pakubwa wasimamizi hata kupita wamiliki halisi.

    Uhalisia wa elimu ya chuo inafafanuliwa kivipi? Je, kuna namna inayoweza kujitokeza ili iwe suluhisho kwa misukosuko na mawimbi ya jinsi hii? Cha kusikitisha ni kwamba, jinsi ujio wa wanachuo unazidi kunoga, basi hali hii inazidi kuyumbisha matamanio. Ingawaje kuna mahafali wa kila mwaka, wanaoingia huzidi mtoko. Sintofahamu inayopeperusha bendera miongoni mwa wanachuo ni kwamba chuo hiki, kwa jinsi kinavyofahamika kwa sifa zake, je, haingekuwa dhahiri kuwekeza katika miradi inayowanufaisha wanafunzi maana hawa ndio walengwa wakuu?

    Hatuwezi kulifumbia macho suala la Naibu Chansela, Prof. Ayiro kuchakatua miradi ya maendeleo kila baada ya muhula ama tuseme kila siku. Ni wazi bila pingamizi kuwa kati ya wazalendo na wachapakazi wa kweli, basi Profesa Ayiro amevikwa taji kwani ni mmoja wao na pengine kiongozi wao. Lakini mojawapo ya wasilisho la ombi kuu ambalo lingehitaji uchambuzi ni hili: Ujengaji wa vyumba vya malazi kwenye ardhi ya chuo hiki.

    Umuhimu wa ujenzi wa vyumba hivi ni pamoja na kodi inayoweza kugharamiwa na wanachuo hata wa kiwango cha chini. Ukengeufu uliopo kwenye mazingira ya nje ya shule ni pamoja na ukosefu wa maji, maji yasiyo safi kwa hali ya kutotibiwa mfano kwa njia ya klorini. Ukuaji wa chuo hiki kunategemewa na vizazi kwa sababu kutawafaidi waliomo na wasiokuwemo. Hivi sasa wanachuo wanazidi kukumbwa na hali ya kumudu maisha na pia utekelezaji wa majukumu yao kama vile kufika chuoni kwa wakati, kutimiza maono na lengo la elimu. Ladha ya kufanikisha vipengele vyote muhimu itatiwa kwa kulainishwa kwa masuala tata kama haya ya upungufu wa vyumba vya kupanga. Hekaheka za Septemba zahitaji hali kutengemaa.

  • THE GLITTERING DMUN’S 1ST MOCK DEBATE

    By Leeroy Wuone

    The Daystar Model United Nations Chapter performed exemplarily well scooping various categorical awards in the 1st mock debate of the 24th Kenya Model United Nations Session held at USIU Africa on Saturday 21 September 2024.

    DMUN chapter members have had their weekly online simulations since May in preparation for first mock debate through their local chapter President of the General Assembly (PGA) Ms Amanda Ingala. The International Court of Justice wing also never shied away from the limelight, headed by their decisive President Mr Caleb Mutie. Best memorial ICJ award was won by the ICJ Local Chapter president and their Chair Mr Godwin Ogutu, who took part and won two awards by the end of that same evening.

    Ms Amanda Ingala got an honorary mention for Best Local Chapter President of the General Assembly after guiding a successful team of delegates from various committees six of the General Assembly. Awards won under ICJ were;

     

    Finalists in the moot competition-Team AA12, Best Applicant Memorial-team AA20.The best female oralist was won by Ms Yvon Kendi while the best Upcoming mooter was clinched by Mr Nigel Agayi. International  Law Commission awards were all won by Mr Godwin Ogutu first, as the second best commissioner and second award as  Best Draft Article.

     

    Various committee awards of the General Assembly were also up for grabs. Ms Kimberly Etale won a Special mention In the Crisis Committee as the Delegate of Ghana. Ms Sandra Adhieu, the delegate of Peru also got a special mention from the World Health Organization (WHO) committee while Mr Leeroy Wuone, the Delegate of Croatia got Special mention from the (SOCHUM) committee.

    The Social, Humanitarian and Cultural committee (SOCHUM) deals with the promotion of Human rights and basic freedoms of people around the world.

    Ms Consolata Gichuru emerged as most diplomatic delegate when she represented Netherlands from the WHO committee. Ms Gichuru has been known before by colleagues from GA for her immense oratory skills in previous debates and her resilience to accurately express her points during debate sessions. Finally the best position paper award went to Ms Jeanelle Njoki of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) committee.

     

  • Dramatic Weekend in the Premier League: City Snatch Draw, Liverpool Thrive

    Monday, September 23, 2024

     

    The premier League served up thrilling action this weekend, highlighted by Arsenal’s intense clash against Manchester City, which ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. In a match defined by late drama, John Stones scored a crucial equalizer in the 90th minute, salvaging a point for the hosts. Arsenal faced a daunting challenge after Leonardo Trossard recieved a second yellow card for a foul on Bernardo Silva, reducing the Gunners to ten men. Despite the setback, Erling Haaland continued his remarkable form, scoring for the fourth consecutive match this season.

    In another thrilling encounter, Brighton and Nottingham Forest played out a high-scoring draw, showcasing both teams’ attacking prowess. Each side displayed moments of brilliance, but neither could find the winner, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

    Meanwhile, Liverpool put on a dominant performance against Bournemouth, securing a resounding 3-0 victory at Anfield. Luis Diaz shone brightly, netting two goals, while Darwin Nunez celebrated his first start of the season with a goal of his own, solidifying Arne Slot’s sides posting among the league’s frontrunners.

    Tottenham also enjoyed success, defeating Brentford 3-1. Their strong performance keeps them in the mix as the competition heats up. After this weekend’s action, Manchester City sit atop the Premier League table with 14 points. Liverpool and Aston Villa follow closely behind, both tied with 13 points, while Arsenal hold fourth with 11 points. As the season progresses, the race for the title is shaping up to be an exhilarating contest, with each match offering a fresh twist in the table.

    Story by Onyangor248@gmail.com

  • DAYSTAR UNIVERSITY TRIUMPHS IN 2024 UNWANTED WITNESS PRIVACY MOOT COURT COMPETITION.

    BY TRACY KAVAI.

    @nyaberakavai@gmail.com

    Nairobi, September 20, 2024 – In a fierce legal battle that showcased the sharpest minds from Kenya and Uganda, Daystar University’s law school clinched victory at the prestigious 2024 Unwanted Witness Privacy Moot Court Competition.

    With a dazzling performance, the team earned a custom-made trophy, a $1,000 cash prize, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 6th Privacy Symposium Africa in Harare, Zimbabwe, this November.

    The competition, which this year focused on the critical theme “Safeguarding Electoral Integrity: Upholding Voter Privacy in Democratic Processes,” brought together top law students who debated the pressing challenges of privacy, data protection, and the rise of biometric technology in African elections. With digital electoral systems becoming more common across the continent, the need to protect voters’ personal data was a key issue at the heart of this year’s discussions.

    In a grand event, presided over by Lady Justice Lydia Achode, Lordship Weldon Korir, and Judge John Matibo, the participants’ professionalism and depth of knowledge were widely praised. The distinguished judges commended the competitors for their composure and compelling legal arguments, underscoring the importance of future legal experts engaging with global privacy issues.

    Several universities were honored for their remarkable contributions at the 2024 Unwanted Witness Privacy Moot Court Competition. King sleeve University (UG-02) won the award for Best Written Submission (Applicant), showcasing strong legal research and argumentation. Catholic University of Kenya (KEN-17) was recognized with the Best Written Submission (Respondent) award, reflecting their insightful defense. The title of Best Oralist went to Stacy Angel Ndaula (UG-16) from Uganda, a recognition of her eloquence and exceptional grasp of complex legal concepts, which impressed both the judges and the audience.

    Amid the accolades and celebrations, Professor Laban Ayiro, Vice Chancellor of Daystar University, delivered an impassioned speech. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of lawyers who will be distinct in their mastery of the law and its societal implications. In a bold announcement, Professor Ayiro revealed plans for the construction of one of the largest law school facilities in Kenya. Citing Robert Frost’s poem “The Secret Sits”, he challenged law students to stop dancing on the periphery and dive into the heart of the law, urging them to engage fully with the intricacies of legal practice.

    The Dean of Daystar’s School of Law also highlighted the transformative power of mooting, encouraging students to see it as essential training for becoming better legal professionals and judges.

    As Daystar University (KEN-13) prepares for their trip to the Privacy Symposium Africa, the victory stands as a milestone, not just for the institution, but for the role of legal education in addressing the continent’s most pressing privacy concerns.

  • FOSTERING INTEGRITY: DAYSTAR UNIVERSITY HOSTS KEY ETHICS DISCUSSION LED BY PROF. AYIRO

    By Tracy Kavai, nyaberakavai@gmail.com

     

    On September 19th, Daystar University, in collaboration with The Education Collaborative and the Mastercard Foundation, held a Zoom session on ethics and leadership.

     

    The event, which took place from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, featured Daystar University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Laban Ayiro, as the keynote speaker. His speech, titled “Creating a Culture of Integrity on Campus,” addressed the significance of ethical behavior within university communities, emphasizing its importance for both academic success and shaping future leaders.

     

    Professor Ayiro outlined several practical approaches for promoting integrity among students, faculty, and staff. He emphasized the need for embedding ethical behavior into the institution’s operations through clear policies, ethical leadership, and ongoing training.

     

    According to Ayiro, integrity should be modeled at the highest levels of leadership, with systems in place to encourage accountability and transparency at all levels. He further advocated for developing mechanisms to monitor and reward ethical behavior, while addressing breaches swiftly and effectively.

     

    His leadership at Daystar University exemplifies these values, with transparency being a core principle behind initiatives like environmental sustainability and infrastructure development. This approach reflects the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of integrity through action and example.

    The Education Collaborative is a network of educational institutions, organizations, and individuals working together to improve the quality of education in Africa. The goal of this initiative is to drive systemic transformation in higher education across the continent by sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovations.

     

    Founded by Ashesi University in Ghana, the Education Collaborative brings together universities and other educational stakeholders to address challenges such as curriculum relevance, graduate employability, access to education, and quality assurance. The initiative aims to create a sustainable impact on the education ecosystem by fostering collaboration, capacity-building, and resource-sharing among African institutions.

     

    Through conferences, workshops, and collaborative projects, the Education Collaborative seeks to create a network of universities that are committed to excellence and are capable of producing graduates who can drive development in their respective countries. It encourages an Africa-led approach to educational reform and development.

     

  • Mpox: What Daystar Students Need to Know and How We Can Help Stop the Spread

     

    As students return to Daystar University after the mid-year break, it’s important that we take steps to protect our community from potential health risks. One of the growing concerns globally, and in Africa in particular, is mpox (previously known as monkeypox). Mpox (monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus and can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials. While the university has yet to release an official statement, it starts with us—students—taking simple, proactive measures to stop the spread.

    What is Mpox and How Does it Spread?

    Mpox is a zoonosis, a disease that is transmitted from animals to humans, with cases often found close to tropical rainforests where there are animals that carry the virus. As of 18 August 2024, the WHO African Region has reported 17,947 suspected mpox cases, including 563 suspected deaths and 2,186 laboratory-confirmed cases, with 13 confirmed deaths across 12 countries since January 2024. [World Health Organization (WHO)]

    The disease can also spread from humans to humans. It spreads through contact with bodily fluids, skin lesions, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces.

    Anyone can get mpox and it spreads through various means;

    • Direct contact with an infected person, such as touching, kissing, or engaging in sexual activity.
    • Interaction with animals that carry the virus, such as during hunting or preparing wild game.
    • Contaminated materials, like bedding, clothing, or needles.
    • Pregnant individuals can also pass the virus to their unborn child.

    Symptoms to watch out for

    Mpox symptoms typically appear within one to two weeks after exposure and can include:

    • A painful rash that starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body.
    • Swollen lymph nodes, often accompanied by discomfort.
    • Fever, muscle aches, and general fatigue.

    If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to act immediately to prevent further spread.

    Steps We Can Take to Protect Ourselves and Others

    • Stay Informed – Educating yourself about mpox is the first step in stopping its spread. Keep an eye out for symptoms and avoid close contact with anyone who may have been exposed.
    • Promote Good Hygiene – Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer can reduce the risk of infection. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • Maintain Safe Interactions – Mpox spreads through close physical contact. Whether in social gatherings or classrooms, practice safe distancing when possible. If someone shows signs of illness, be cautious about sharing personal items like towels, bedding, or utensils.
    • If You’re Infected, Protect Others – If you suspect you have mpox, inform those you’ve been in close contact with, and stay at home until all lesions have healed and a new layer of skin has formed. It’s essential to cover any visible sores and wear a mask around others to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.
    • Avoid Physical Contact with Animals – Mpox can spread through direct contact with infected animals. If you’ve traveled to areas near tropical rainforests or have come into contact with animals, be mindful and practice caution.

    What to Do if You Have Symptoms

    If you experience any symptoms, report them immediately to the university health services and avoid close contact with others. Follow guidelines by covering your lesions, wearing a well-fitting mask, and isolating until you’ve fully recovered.

    Let’s Be a Part of the Solution. It’s up to us, as Daystar students, to play an active role in preventing a potential mpox outbreak. Simple actions like washing hands, staying informed, and being cautious about close contact can make a big difference. Together, we can ensure that campus remains a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

    For more information, stay tuned to Home – Involvement for updates on health protocols and resources as we navigate this period responsibly. Let’s keep each other safe—it starts with us.

  • An Imaginable Betrayal: The Terrible Tale of Gisèle Pélicot.

    By ROSELYN SAMUEL

    What can be described as unimaginable has turned into the actual nightmare that 72-year-old Gisèle Pélicot recently disclosed to a French court, putting her story into the hearts of an entire nation. For nearly a decade, Gisèle’s husband, Dominique Pélicot, had secretly kept her drugged, at times inviting over 50 men into their home to commit sexual assault on her while she lay unconscious. What is even more horrific is that her husband recorded each of the assaults, he gathered more than 20,000 video clips from those criminal acts.

    Imagine discovering, after years of marriage, that the most trusted person organized such atrocities-using you as an object of violence for others. Such was the reality in the case of Gisèle. It was only with his arrest in 2020 for voyeuristic photos of women in a supermarket that his secret life finally came into focus. Police found video after video on his devices of strangers raping his wife while she lay completely unaware ​(LBC ​)​(TMZ ​). Each of the rapists in these rapes ran from firefighters to journalists, not all being random attackers, many were invited back multiple times. Dominique had created an online network through which he had recruited those men to join in. Some claimed that they thought Gisèle was a willing participant, but Dominique himself said they all knew she was drugged. In his twisted mind, it was a perverse kind of addiction, but there aren’t any words to describe how horrific and betrayed Gisèle has been ​(LBC).

    During an emotional testimony in court, Gisèle said, “When you see this woman, drugged, mistreated, dead on a bed-of course the body is not cold, it is warm, but I am like dead”. Words like those cut deep and get right to the point, not only for the violence she endured but for exposing the depth of her suffering. She unknowingly lived in a torturing world wrought by the one she once loved and trusted most ​(TMZ​).  Dominique’s defense tried to insinuate this was somehow a mutual fantasy, but the reality is, that Gisèle did not know about what was happening to her. Worse still, she contracted multiple sexually transmitted diseases from the assaults, adding another layer of horror to an already unfathomable ordeal ​(LBC​) ​(TMZ​).

    But this isn’t a legal case purely, this is about those dark, blind spots in human behavior and how trust can break in a split second. It is a reminder that even the people closest to us can keep unimaginable secrets. Gisèle will meet her attackers in court. And it’s not just her crusade for seeing justice done but to piece together every part of her life fragment.

    The trial, scheduled to last until December, will not restore what was violently taken from Gisèle, whose trauma will last a lifetime but we hope justice will be served.

     

    For further reading on the disturbing case of Gisèle Pélicot and her husband Dominique’s crimes, here are key sources:

    • LBC reported on how Dominique Pélicot drugged his wife and invited men to rape her over several years. They also provided details on the men involved and Dominique’s history of abuse.
    • You can read more here: (LBC) ps://lbc.co.uk/news/husband-drugged-wife-strangers-rape-france/).
    • TMZ covered Gisèle’s emotional testimony and her efforts to reclaim her life after discovering the years of abuse. They also discussed the charges​(TMZ)Dominique and the men involved. Full story available here: TMZ.