Mwl. Frank's M.A.N.G.O.L.A

Since last...

2011-10-08T02:12:00.001+03:00

This time I won't tell about being 'busy' or rather 'occupied' by the JF, no.

First of all, it seems one not so well trained and not well-behaving too, journo decided to use one of the pictures I have posted in this blog for her newspaper article. I don' get angry when people use my resources, but giving prior info and seeking for approval is as important. But dumbass didn't do that and it irks me! The worst part is where she has used the photo of some of the very important siblings of my Grandfather, Late T. Nderumaki, which as expected included my very own papa enjoying his hard earned pot of mbege. The articles was about the issue of haphazard killing of the pensioners esp. in the Shinyanga region. Basi, I just got angry and then became more wary of posting anything that will benefit this sick journo. Next time sis, call!

Then it happened. A phone call early in the morning of 25th Aug. Bro. Dee was no more.

I wanted, and I will write an obit for him, but let me save it for later, actually it is goin' to be this very week.

Then there was my trip to Nai-robbery, sight-seeing kind of thing and relaxation. I also went for college business, prospects are good. Hopefully I might be there for my undergraduate degree coming January. save that too!

But there were buts, just as it should be. But?

Term ended and I am a failure or failed?

2011-06-07T23:22:00.001+03:00

It has been months since I last posted.

I don't what is happening with me this days regarding my log! May I put blame on the social sites I am registered to and attending? I am, of late, a bit addicted to JamiiForums (I am a very active member here, I spend more than 4hrs each day and sometimes even more, browsing) and Facebook. You it ain't easy for me to access my blog with a mobile phone I am having, I can not post on the move, you know. But for these two, thats what you call on-on-the-go. I also had posted earlier that I have failed to give my blog an 'aim'. What should I post? For which audience and the like. Stranded just like many other bloggers who started the same way I did.

Now back to serious business that made me write this piece today.

Some people tend to liken teaching and farming; there is input, some kind of processing and then expecting output of some kind. Just as the first term in this 2011 ended I reviewed my work. Especially this year. I think I have failed, or did my students fail me? My ICT students failed to the rate that is alarming and they seem not to really care! My Geography students in 2nd year did an external exam (I did not prepare this) and did just bad, same as the Form IVs.

Did this make me feel bad? Did it made me mad? YES to both answers.

I asked them. Eti, my exams are very tough. I am very stingy when giving credit. I don't use Kiswahili in class. I don't give direct answers to the questions they ask. I don't encourage cramming thats why, I think. Why giving only low level of knowledge questions? Because those type of questions are given also in their National Exams? Of all these points I agree to only one, about stinginess. work hard and the fruits will be seen. Not just a reproduction of the material and then expecting a 100%.

But I need to work on my strategy, if I am to continue teaching!

Emmanuel and Maria's send-off & harusi

2011-03-08T23:08:00.001+03:00

send/off for maria was on 23rd feb at hale social hall in hale-tanga, emmanuel, mama, shangazi aloisia, valence and mama babu and me of course represented the moshi people

harusi was on 26th of the same month at karanga catholic parish and followed by a reception at rose garden hall in mosh town, the Holy Mass was said by Fr. Nderumaki with assistance of the parish priest. 'twas super!!

Lost, and money took it...

2011-02-17T19:27:00.000+03:00

Last Sunday I had an 'opportunity' to become a tour guide for a day.

There was this group of friends from Italy, driving thru Southern Africa, they started in Namibia, drove thru Zim, Zambia and wound up in TZA, they had gone places and still were going places. It wasn't their first, it seems, they have done it for years. They have a doctor friend in Arusha told them about Mang'ola, they wanted to see. It happened that the doctor knew my headmistress and the headmistress knew me and the latter had me get them around.

Of the places that any tourist coming these parts wants to see is the Hadzabe, mistakenly also referred to as 'Bushmen'. Mistakenly because they aren't that 'bushmen' you see in South Africa or Namibia; they are blacker and genetically not linked to the San but Bantu pygmies of the Congo. So you see how un-bushmen they are.

Well, they are thought that way and I'll lave it that way, Bushmen way. They are the primitive, they still live the same way their ancestors lived. Hunters and gatherers by trade. Even for their fellow Africans they are 'way wrong'. They don't farm, rear goats or cattle, build a 'proper' (definitions can vary here) house and a lot more. Even their fellow Africans get a 'tourist' taste on seeing them. They are an 'object' of tourist interest to both Westerners (tourists from places rather than TZA) and those from within.

So, the tour companies that organise packages for L. Eyasi would like their guests to see the 'primitive' people remaining. But, you see there is always a but. They are not 'primitive' in the way that primitive mean. They were primitive and then came the Iraqw and Datoga and bunch lot of other 'Waswahili' to Mang'ola Valley, and the primitiveness just remained in the fact that they don't want to mix. And above all, there came MONEY.

Back to the tourists. Most of them are disappointed, they are coming thinking of some very primitive 'things, objects' to see and wonder. The problem is that these primitive people got the taste of money and they all went wasted. Alcohol, just like any other 'indigenous' peoples in the world. All what they see is a Hollywood-type show, they take photos and these guys know how to pose, really good poses you'd not want not to believe. They are primitive remember?

End of Part I

It rained at last

2011-02-17T18:32:00.001+03:00

Joto lilikuwa kali kupita kiasi. Lilizidi, watu tukaanza kulalama. Labda 'Mungu' ametusahau, eeh, dhambi zimezidi mno. Kama kawaida ya wanadamu, tulisema....

Then it came down, in 'potfuls'! But there is always a 'but'. It came when it wasn't supposed to, it shouldn't come at this time of the year though we wanted it cool down the place, but this wasn't when we expected it. It was a relief that we could breathe again, the plants could get back the life in them but, well, not at this time. Is He testing us again, after a long dry spell? Someone has to do something, or rather someone did something!

So we spoke again, the old said things weren't the way they were, the way they were supposed to be. This type of things never happened during their days and that they have not seen anything like this, in their life time of course. It was a sign, staunch believers, told. It didn't look good, we have to consult the Oracle. Unfortunately there was't any. After all the Prophet (don't get startled, there are so many nowadays in case you had the thought that they only existed in the OT) had predicted it and He does not want you to speak about your old filthy 'oracle' thing, He is the One now. Sent. Period. You don't question these type of 'things' otherwise you'd find yourself in a very awkward position, unless you question yourself in 'your self'.

So the buts continued because there has to be a but someplace, no?

But...

Siasa baada ya Uchakachuaji

2010-11-25T00:32:00.000+03:00

Ndugu Mgeni Rasmi,

Mustakabali wa taifa letu na raia wake upo katika hatihati iwapo hali iliyopo sasa miongoni mwa viongozi wetu tuliowapa dhamana kubwa ya kuliongoza taifa hili hawatadhibitiwa. Ubinafsi uliokithiri, rushwa, ufisad, ubadhirifu wa mali ya umma, uhujumu uchumi, ujambazi, dhuluma, utapeli, mauaji ya imani za kishirikina, na uovu wa kila aina umekuwa ndio sera yao. Dhamira njema ya ukmbozi wa wananchi kufikia maisha bora kwa kila Mtanzania itakuwa ndoto za alinacha kama hautakuwepo utashi wa dhati wa kisiasa wa kupanmbana na hali hiyo.

Jambo la kusikitisha ni kuendelea kukua kwa kasi kwa pengo llilopo baina ya wenye nacho na wasio nacho; yaani matajiri na maskini katika jamii ianyoamini katika misingi ya usawa wa binadamu. Katika jamii hii ya tabaka la wakulima na wafanyakazi; wapo watu wenye fedha nyingi na wanaishi maisha ya kifahari sana na kuwaacha wengine wengi ambao hata kupata mlo kamili wa siku ni shida. Wengi hawana ajira za kuamininka wala mitaji au elim ya ujasiriamali, wanajaribu kukopa mikopo midogo midogo wafanye biashara ili kujikwamua kiuchumi, lakini wapi! Wanazidi kutumbukia kwenye lindi la umasikini uliokithiri. Maisha yanakuwa ya samak baharini. Mkubwa kumla mdogo!

Vita dhidi ya maadui wakubwa wa jamii yetu; ujinga, umasikini, na maradhi imekuwa nadharia tu. Vifo vya wajawazito na watoto chini ya umri wa miaka mitano vimeongezeka. Kipato cha Mtanzania kinazidi kushuka na thamani ya fedha yetu hali kadhalika. Utandawazi ulikusudiwa kutupatia wajomba kwa jina maarufu “wawekezaji” ili waje kutukwamua kiuchumi.wote tuliweka matumaini ya kukua kwa uchumi, kuongezeka kwa nafasi za ajira katika viwanda, migodi, mashamba, mabenki, mashirika namakampuni katika sekta binafsi. Hata hivyo hali si ya kuridhisha, “wajomba” wengi wanatula “usogo”. Wanakula vyetu huku wanatung’ong’a.

Wanawasainisha waheshimiwa wetu mikataba ya ulaghai na wanatumia udhaifu uliomo ndani ya mikataba hiyo kuhamisha utajiri wetu kwenda kwao. Madini, mabo hata wanyama! Maskini, wajinga ndio waliwao. Usimwamshe aliyelala usije ukalala wewe!

Leo hii kumeanza kuzuka migogoro ya kugombea ardhi baina ya wakulima na wafugaji, wawekezaji na wanakijiji, viongozi na raia. Hali hii si dalili nzuri kwa taifa letu, amani tunayojivunia kwa kitambo sasa tunaiweka rehani. Ukiona vyaelea vimeundwa!

Hakuna marefu yasiyo kuwa na ncha. Dalili ya mvua ni mawingu. Dalili za Watanzania kuzinduka kutoka kwenye usingizi mzito zimeanza kuonekana. Tunaanza kufuta tongotongo. Hoja za kuhoji na hatimaye mikakati ya kurejea baadhi ya mikataba tuliyoingia kichwa kichwa zinaonesha kla dalili za kiwingu cha mageuzi na ni hatua ya kujivunia. Mapambani dhidi ya ufisadi na uimarishaji wa demokrasia na miundombinu ya nchi ni hatua ya mafanikio. Wabunge bila shaka mtaendelea kuisaidia serikali na sekta binafsi kuboresha mazingira yaliypo ili kusaidia kuinua uchumi wa nchi yetu na wa mtu mmoja mmoja. Changamoto kubwa mliyo nayo ni kubuni nafasi za ajira na kuongeza mitaji kwa makundi yote ya kijamii.

World Diabetes day 2010

2010-11-15T23:58:00.001+03:00

The World Diabetes Day logo is the blue circle - the global symbol for diabetes which was developed as part of the Unite for Diabetes awareness campaign.

The logo was adopted in 2007 to mark the passage of the United Nations World Diabetes Day Resolution.

It is a simple icon that can be easily adapted and widely adopted, the circle symbolizes life and health. The colour blue reflects the sky that unites all nations. The blue circle signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes pandemic.

Let's take control of diabetes. Now.

2010 marks the second year of the five-year focus on 'Diabetes education and prevention", the theme selected by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization for World Diabetes Day 2009-2013.

The campaign slogan is: "Let's take control of diabetes. Now."

For the general public and people at high risk of diabetes, the focus will be on raising awareness of diabetes and disseminating tools for the prevention of diabetes. For people with diabetes, the focus will be on disseminating tools to improve knowledge of diabetes in order to better understand the condition and prevent complications. For governments and policy-makers, efforts will focus on advocacy aimed at communicating the cost-effective implications of diabetes prevention strategies and promoting diabetes education as a core component of diabetes management and treatment.

The key messages of the campaign, developed for different target groups, are:

Know the signs and symptoms of diabetes. Early diagnosis saves lives.
Diabetes prevention and treatment is simple and cost-effective. Put it on top of the agenda.
Your child could be affected. Know the warning signs. See your doctor to measure the risk.
Enjoy an active life and prevent complications.

One of the articles in the 2010 school mag

2010-10-08T01:00:00.000+03:00

I’M PROUD OF MY SCHOOL

By Carmela Kastuli

I would be a hypocrite if I will not say exactly the truth about my school. My school is called Anna Gamazo sec school. The first form four finished in the year 2006. The first form six in the year 2010. The school has progressive achievement up to this time.

My school has resources which make students to perform well in their studies. For instance the school has enough teachers who are qualified both for Ordinary level and Advanced level. My school has variety of books which are kept in the library my school has two large laboratories for Chemistry, Biology as well as Physics. It has good number of computers which are used to teach the students practically and for other office uses.

To the side of health our school has a dispensary which is well supplied with medical facilities and supervised by school matron. It is normally used to give out first aid and other services to the students.

Back to the side of transport and communication my school has two cars. Each for different purpose, this enables the efficient running of the school work ever day.

In sports and games my school is having different kinds of sport ground for football, netball, volleyball and basketball. Facilities are also available like sports gear for all games, balls and other facilities associated with sports.

Furthermore there are enough classes as well as dormitories. In addition my school is having an administration block and dining hall.

Due to the resources available students make use of them appropriately and work hard in their studies as the result the school becomes the best school in Karatu district as well as in regional level. With all these I must proud of my school. I love my school.

Msibani

2010-10-08T00:52:00.000+03:00

Labda nilikuwa in such pain, sikukumbuka kupiga picha wakati wa msiba though nilikuwa na kamera. Hizi hapa chini ni za Jumapili siku tulipoanua tanga. Kuna kitu inaitwa 'kutoa wafiwa outingi'.

The big Mboros, R to L; Mzee Anthony, Shangazi Katarina, BaMdogo Bernard, Mzee John, Mzee Joachim na kule mwisho a very veteran teacher Mzee Bruno.

Kulikuwa na kamburu pia, R to L Anthony, Mzee John, Mzee Ben, Capt. (rtd) Willy na Adam.

Ima na Bosco wakichuja wari o mbeke.

Mzee Tony with his sister Katarina

If Shangazi Aloisia was there this would be a perfect family snap, the remaining lot of Mzee Thomas Nderumaki's loins.

Orbirtuary to My friend and dad, Mzee Herman

2010-09-27T23:00:00.000+03:00

I knew him to be my father's young bro. He wasn't that close, he lived in Shinyanga while we were in Moshi - Kyou. I'd see him only during Chrismases he would come or when there's an event in the kijiji. And that was it for long period of time.

Then I was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, the disease he too shared. a friendship had to be formed here, we shared a thing. He became my really close friend after that. We talked of how to inject insulin, how to eat and stay healthy and all that diabetes stuff. After my Form VI he invited me to Shinyanga, I saw his home, we strolled around, him showing me around the town he called home. This Baba Mdogo was a really cool friend; he aught me things. We tried a lot of concontions of various traditional, Chinese, Korean etc. herbal brews, we were tired of injecting the insulin! We created and devised our own ways of living with diabetes, our own way. A rebel way, of course. We thought we had to live a full life, well, we could drink few beers despite a medical ban, and that ugali made from uwele wasn't any good we could eat anything cause we had to live, WTF?

When I came back from my Spain trip I had brought with me a lot of diabetes supplies; syringes, glucometers, etc. We shared these, I made sure he got the best and new equipment and techniques I got from Spain. Did this diabetes thing the ONLY connection we had? I don't know. The guy used to me call me more often even than how my own father used to. He was this close friend. We confided to each other our fears over this condition we had, when we felt like the insulin wasn't working OK.

Then this year April he came to Moshi to share with the rest of us the bride price he got from marrying his daughter, Ade. We laughed and had a lot of mbege, pots and pots. But he had this dry, painful long cough. We all thought it was something to do with the throat. Something stuck somewhere down the throat, a small tissue growth maybe. He needed to see a specialist, yes? Yeah, see one in KCMC, they'll get a tube down your throat and they'll be able to see that disturbing thing and root it out, then life will be the same again. We were wrong, it wasn't the throat. It was something more sinister. It was not in the throat, not anywhere near. It was in the lungs, it was CANCER. And all our 'throat thing' was only delaying and the monster continued to spread. It took months before it weas diagnosed, this time in DSM at Ocean Road institute. He had to start a very painful and weakening procedure; chemotherapy. He took few doses; 4 to be exact. I had my opportunity to see him and be with him when w¡he was taking his 4th (or 3rd) dose, watching him in the bed receiving the dose through drip, helplessly, wishing it could go much faster. He could take it no more. The battle could not be fought no more. Saturday night was it, he was recalled by back from active duty. Dying, fighting!

I can't think, and so stupidily I drank Coca Cola, WTF? I can feel the blood glucose so high and I am not going to take insulin. Go friend!!

2010-08-28T01:05:00.000+03:00

My Psychology and Social and Professional ethics tutor at college those days, Fr. Dr. Kireti used to say, "A teacher is never wanting worldly things. He'll only buy a new book he sees or a new jacket (read: koti la suti). Not luxuries and fancies"
I have agreed to agree with this idea. That's what teachers are able to afford. And what do we get in return? A shikamoo when we pass through walking and a glimpse of these students of ours doing great in life. One of them decided to write this poem for us, it'll appear in the school magazine this coming Sept.

I haven't made any change or correction whatsoever.
HOW WITHOUT A TEACHER?
Who else can make me intelligent?
Who else can make me wiser?
Who else can make me rich?
Who else can make me comfort?
Who else is like teacher?

Never will I make my teacher angry?
Never will I make my teacher sad?
Never will I make my teacher gloomy?
Never will I make my teacher worried?
Who else is like teacher?

I will always respect my teacher?
I will always seek advice from teacher
I will always pay attention to my teacher
I will always support my teacher
Who else is like teacher?

You sacrifice your time for me
You find extra effort for my success
You give me hope where I discouraged
You positively make my altitude
Who else is like teacher?

Why can’t I give you thanks?
Why can’t I pray for you?
Why can’t I hear your voice?
Who else is like teacher?

JOHN TARMO LALIO

Corporate lessons

2010-08-17T17:17:00.000+03:00

A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day.

A small rabbit saw the crow, and asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?” The crow answered: "Sure, why not.”

So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit... and ate it.

Moral of the story is….
To be sitting and doing nothing you must be sitting very, very high up.

A turkey was chatting with a bull.

"I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, "but I haven't got the energy.”

"Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?" replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients." The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it actually gave him enough strength to reach the first branch of the tree. The next day, after eating more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fortnight, there he was proudly perched at the top of the tree. Soon he was spotted by a farmer who promptly shot the turkey out of the tree.

Moral of the story:
Bullshit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold; the bird froze and fell to the ground in a large field. While it was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on it. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, it began to realize how warm it was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him!

The morals of this story are
Not everyone who drops shit on you is your enemy.
Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.
And when you're in deep shit, keep your mouth shut.

Nyu look, blogger!

2010-08-13T12:57:00.002+03:00

Well, I started blogging 2006 last. I've done it and liked it on the way, though I'm most of the times the reader and the composer. I then yesterday decided to incorporate the new template design. Wachu think?

And here came a new kid in the blog-sphere, this is my mate Emil, he's studying to become sys analyst, therefore has a blog for It issues and the like. Visit him at mahajaonline.blogspot.com

Diary:::June and July 2010

2010-08-04T10:36:00.000+03:00

Haya tena,

How's you friends outta there? Me is cool. Now, this June there wasn't much, it was school holidays, so no work actually, and the fun it comes with it. But I had fun. As it is in the previous post, I had a nice time, one week to be exact, in Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Manyara national parks. And spent some part of may so called 'fortune'.

The fun started in Serengeti and for the first time in my sorry life I had to sleep in a tent and for the first time also I came to understand as to why Wabongo are soooooo into going to the places of wonder and sleep in the open in tents! Why? Seriously, how would you convince a guy born in some obscure village in some unnoticed part of this big republic, who after a lot of struggle and hustle, got his first bungalow with TANESCO electricity and a dry tap, to go to Serengeti and experience that life that he's so furious to over with? That life without light, that life with dangers of snake bite? Unbecoming. So I had to see it for myself, and I slept in a freaking tent. Bush camping, I'd say, is awesome, no matter what. In those two days I spent in Serengeti I did all things 'bush'. And there was bush camping, bush lunch, bush driving, bush dining, bush sleeping, the list is long. Plus of course, game driving. Unfortunately it wasn't the good time of the year to see a lot, 'migrants' were away to our neighbour and 'residents' were so well fed that they only slept!

after few tsetse fly bites we headed off to Ngorongoro reaching jioni and ahd another tent adventure in the coldest of the nights I have ever had. And this was seriously fun; at night one not so old elephant who either out of curiosity or just the sheer pleasure of seeing us startled, came to drink from the campsite tap. Wtf? So I had my first soooo close encounter with the biggest of the five. It seemed that wasn't enough as in the middle of the night when everybody was fighting for the little amount of warmth there was in his tent, we're visited by some angry Cape buffaloes. Well, it isn't hat dangerous but just adventure! In the morning we headed for the crater and had a chance to view the laziest of all lions except those kept in a zoo. The Ngorongoro lions are the laziest, small area to hunt and lots of sweet meated beasts.

Not able to withstand the cold for even an extra day, we headed right to Manyara. Mind you for all these days I hadn't had a trickle of hot or cold water down my head! Safari, eeh? And there are differences, pampered tourist and the 'boot on the ground' tourist. I was the latter.

July school came to life again and classes resume. Boring and fun at the same time, and soon I was the ToD, and that's no fun at all! It ended, just like all other thing which have got a beginning. Now I've started work organizing for the school magazine which is expected out by graduation day this coming Sept.

Life's so fucking GOOD!!

Mid year likizo

2010-06-13T12:34:00.000+03:00

Akchuare kama mwalimu sina likizo wakati huu ila because students have to go for one month holiday, basi naturally na mimi nipo likizo. And I have nicely spent every minute of it, been to home and seen Gerry's school up in Mwanga.

Next week around Jumatano hivi nitakuwa tourist. Plan is to go to Serengeti nat park to see some ungulates wonders, you know, plus seeing basking crocs in the Mara river then head back for Ngorongoro crater for the second time this year. This time will be different, I'll be sleeping in the tent among elephants, snakes and hyenas. I lot to see and expect nice pictures afterwards.

I'll be posting some events in my facebook page and some pictures might go in the ovi share. Otherwise I'm out

Man's best friend.

2010-03-27T15:10:00.000+03:00

Siku ya mnada wa mwezi wa 3 (kwa nyie msio na kalenda hiyo ni tar. 5 ya kila mwezi).

Mangola diary -- March

2010-03-27T14:55:00.000+03:00

Hullo folks, been long since I last posted.

March was the first form VI graduation ceremony at the school. The first bath of about 26 students did their Advanced Certificate Secondary Education Exams (ACSEE) since the school started eight years ago. A story of success after a couple of false starts.

Mnada was there as usual and this time something unpleasant happened when one of the lorries that usually bring people and goods from other places got an accident after brakes failed near Changarawe, few hustling guys died and other many got injured. And the usual 'operesheni zima moto' was initiated: no passengers allowed on these overworked lorries! Maybe it'll work.

It rained; well, the truth is we who are not working on the land were belated but our nearest cousins who are working on the land it a blessing they don't need, whatsoever. These rains are coming when nobody wants them and don't when they do!

Happy Easter. Stay blessed!

Nimekuwa Godfather!

2010-01-06T18:47:00.001+03:00

Yule Tony niliyesema ni mtoto wa mdogo wangu Imma amebatizwa Jumapili ya tarehe 27 parokiani Maua na mimi kupata heshima ya kuwa Baba wa Ubatizo.

Baadaye tukawasha mshumaa ambao kutokana na 'ubao' mkali uliokuwa nao Tony uliosababishwa na kucheleweshwa kuanza ibada alikuwa ameshautafuna haswa!

Enewei, kwa sasa anaitwa Anthony Mchili.

Hapo chini ndo family yenyewe.

Connected, united! Despite the fear to fall....

2009-12-08T11:13:00.001+03:00

'Are we to cross this stream over these logs?'

But some risks are worthy taking, and anything is a bridge provided it'll take you across.

My friend ophthalmologist Dr. Laborda from Cordoba, Spain. He runs an eye specialized hospital 'Hospital la Arruzafa' and a humanitarian aid foundation for all that has to do with eyes called 'Fundacion la Arruzafa'. He's the one who operated on me last year. He came for some sightseeing and mapping his ground for next year's eye treatment visit; in 2010 he and his associates will conduct a 10+ days free eye examinations, treatment, operations and giving specs to people of Mang'ola and Enjikaret, Loliondo(?).

Siku ya UKIMWI Mang'ola - II

2009-12-03T12:44:00.004+03:00

Sikuahidi kuweka picha lakini nimepata picha nzuri kutoka kwa baba Paroko Pd. Miguel aliyekuwepo siku hiyo. Nafikiri itakuwa vizuri kama tutashea.

Haya ni maigizo kutoka kwa wanafunzi wa kidato cha tano na sita wa Anna Gamazo sekondari. Unaweza kushuhudia impact ya akina Masanja na Joti kwenye outfits. Nafikiri hapo kuna Jackson, Pastor, Salangati, na .....

Ujumbe mzito na wazi kabisa. Sehemu ya umati.

Siku ya UKIMWI Mang'ola

2009-12-01T12:37:00.003+03:00

Leo ndo the World AIDS day, na huku Mang'ola tumeidhimisha kwa marefu na mapana yake. Huku kuna NGO inaitwa Msamaria Mwema, imeanzishwa na mapadri wa misheni ya Mang'ola Chini. Hawa watu wamefanya maandamano, ngoma, ngonjera, mashairi na hotuba kama ilivyo ada katika siku hii. Lengo ni kupeleka ujumbe 'UKIMWI upo, unaua, hauna tiba, unaweza kuzua maambukizi kuendelea kama utatimiza wajibu wako'
Mang'ola inawakilisha almost kila kabila ya nji hii na nchi jirani pia. Wengi huku ni wa-kuja. Kitunguu bwana! Population ya hapa ina-represent almost 19% of people of Karatu district as of 2002 census. Now, huu mchanganyiko wa watu, kuwepo kwa hela 'nyingi' zitokanazo na kilimo cha vitunguu, na potful of other factors, maambukizi ya UKIMWI yako juu.

Kwa habari za juujuu eti viongozi wa serikali ya kijiji, kata n.k hawakuhudhuria. Inaonekana kwao hili janga si prayoriti; wengine wamesafiri, au wamekwenda shamba. Sawa lakini UKIMWI si ni sera ya govt? Luckily wamepatikan wanafunzi wa primary na secondary school kama 1000 hivi. Nikafurahi, kama tunaweza kuwaandaa hawa taifa la keshao, wakue wakiujua UKIMWI na yote yaliyomo; tutawahitaji viongozi wa serekali wa kazi gani? Nafikiri hii ni changamoto!!

Huduma kwa waathirika wa UKIMWI/VVU na upatikanaji wa taarifa sahihi kuhusu gonjwa hili ni haki ya kila mmoja. Umekwishafanya nini?

Why DO people get married?

2009-11-18T15:21:00.003+03:00

Wanasema mtu akianza kuzungumzia kifo chake ndo dalili, au? Mi nimeanza kusoma sana kuhusu NDOA, KUOA, KUOLEWA, KUOANA, n.k. Nafikiri ni dalili za ...

In his 1965 book “Marriage for Moderns”, Bowman A.H. lists a variety of reasons. Among those are:

Love
Economic security
Parents’ wishes
Escape from loneliness or a parental home situation
Money
Companionship
Sexual attraction
Protection
Notoriety
Social position and prestige
Gratitude
Pity
Spite
Adventure
Common interest

The above list means that individuals seek satisfaction in marriage not only for basic physical sexual needs but also for their basic psychological needs for:

a) Affection
b) Belonging
c) Independence
d) Achievement
e) Recognition
f) Self-esteem

People may also marry because of more comprehensive need for self-actualization which includes personal growth and personality development.

Marriage presents possibilities for increased understanding of the patterns themselves, of each other, of human beings in general, of life’s problems, and be enriching educational experiences that promote social, emotional and intellectual growth. Marriage, at its best, enables both partners to reach out to the community and to become more productive and effective citizens in work, recreation and community service.

Nawakilisha sababu mwaka huu pekee nimeshuhudia ya Nazary Gwae, Da Pam wa Shy, Da Ade wa Dar, Da Seba, _________, _________, __________. (Blanks ni kwa ajili yako ku-fill ulizoshuhudia. )

Nimekuwa refa!

2009-11-18T14:50:00.003+03:00

Is a referee a player?
Hapa staff waliamua kupasha na students, ninachoweza ku-observe ni ukosefu wa discipline ya kiuanamichezo. I think having a proper sports gear is part of that disc-what, mh! Teachers wakiwa wamependeza na their office linens na madenti wakiwa kwenye uniform. Phew!

Ima's got a son

2009-09-07T16:38:00.001+03:00

Anaitwa Tony.

Free and open apps and softwares

2009-09-07T15:40:00.002+03:00

For many, here am not talking about the computer geeks, the first OS that they may use will be proprietary such as Microsoft Windows or MacOS. I was not an exception . I started using computers with MS Windows 3.1 then I went thru Win 95, 98, 2000, XP and now I am struggling with my Vista Home Premium. Unfortunately I haven't been so lucky to have a Mac with me.

The Big Shift

Well, proprietary softwares are good, I liked them. A lot of functionality, easily upgraded or updated and the like. But now I have decided and I am moving to open source, free softwares. As I am writing, am I've already installed Ubuntu 8.10 on top of my Vista running HP Compaq 6720s. Sometimes you lack many things you would expect from a MS Windows OS system but free OS is freedom.

Still I do not know so much about these free, open source OS, but I would recommend the following sites for some good lessons on what these are:
1. sourceforge click here to go
2. Debian click here to go
3. freedos click here to go
4. Fedora Linux click here to go

And yet wikipedia.org can offer a lot of info too.

Mang'ola-Anna Gamazo sec

2009-08-01T15:54:00.000+03:00

Upepo sana, baridi na msimu wa "kupanda"

2009-07-11T19:07:00.001+03:00

Nimerudi Mang´ola toka kwa semena na hakuna mengi mpya. Hivi sasa ni baridi kiasi hasa usiku na asubuhi. Upepo kama kawaida unapuliza ile mbaya, afu una baridi kinomi.

Kama nilivyo wahi kutaarifu, Mang´ola na vitunguu are actually synonymous. Now, this time of the year is the msimu wa upandaji. This year it has been so different, everybody even schoolboy and girls have cultivated kitunguu.

Why? I teach Geography and other Social sciences so these reasons will reflect that:

1) Price has been so good for the past two years, up to 80,000 TSH for a 100kg bag.
2) There is this “Pembejeo za ruzuku”, for those illiterate fellows that is govt subsidized fertilizer and the like.
3) I think there a steady growth of the “middle” class in TZ; many town dwellers can afford and want to have kitunguu in their mboga and are ready to buy it at any costs
4) Mang´ola is more accessible than ever, I don’t mean the road’s better, no, more people and more known
5) Market is good and sometimes so reliable, we sell these funny bulbs even to Sudan and funny place of the kind
6) SACCOS

For your information the EA confedertion is here before it is officially announced, Kenyans, and I mean lot of ´em, are here having their portions too.

Well, for those who are planning to come, Please DON´T. Why? 1) We´re busy, 2) It´s too dusty (I mean the road!) 3) Because we’re planting we don’t have money to entertain you as the custom demands.

Till then!

My dad just turned 75!

2009-07-03T14:00:00.005+03:00

Well, it was yesterday though! My problem is I just can't figure out what to tell a 75 years old guy on his birthday!

You know, what do you tell a guy that age?

Reporting from TIA workshop

2009-06-30T15:28:00.002+03:00

I announced I'll be attending TIA this year too, well, I here.

We arrived on Sun 28th and was happy to see Profs Vavrus and Lesley around not forgetting Matthew and Bethany. This year many attending are not the familiar faces, reasons am told is because invitations were sent directly to schools not to individuals as it used to be.

Moshi is cold this time of the year and well, coming from Mang'ola where by any definition is a hot place, I can't bear the cold!

Good news is I've managed to get a network driver for my laptop. Coming to Moshi this time around was a blessing, ha!

This years' content is almost the same as it was last year, so for us who were here last year there a little new.

On the topics and new T/L methods and perspectives will be shared some other time, I've got a demonstration lesson to prepare!

TIA for 2009

2009-06-23T18:52:00.002+03:00

Hullo there, it has been a long time.

As always I'll have some reasons for it too. Lets count:

1. I've become much more uninterested, just like all other first timers. You don't know (read define) your goal or aim of having a blog published. You don't know what to post, you don't know your audience, just blank,
2. Internet is still expensive and most of places unavailable. Why bother after all nobody give a damn about what you post, and many times you're both the composer and the reader of your items,
3. This third reason only applies to me; my laptop HP Compaq 6720s lacks the driver for wireless internet. Want to use it, can't use it!Any help folks? I run Vista Home Basic 32&64 bits. Help me get these pieces of code, eh!

Again for the third time in the roll, the maintainer will be in Moshi at MWUCE attending that seminar of ours, Teaching In Action (TIA). And may be I'll get some time to report from there.

Last but not least, Mwl Nazary Gwae got married this very 20th of June. Am happy for him, in fact I was the Mtunza fuko of Kharusi committee!

Till then!

Season's greetings

2008-12-31T20:10:00.001+03:00

Hii Noeli na mwaka mupya usiite hivihivi bila vijisalamu toka kwangu. Akhsanteni kwa support isiyo na kipimo. Mwakani mambo bien kama kawa.

Wrist watch(s) story....

2008-12-13T00:40:00.003+03:00

I got my first wrist watch nilipokuwa std. III au IV sikumbuki vizuri, ilikuwa ni DISCO makonyezo flani very maarufu sana wakati huo na hata siku hizi bado naziona mnadani pale Gorofani (alt spelling Gorfani), ya pili ilikuwa ni hizi za Kichina aka Hwang Hu, rangi ya gold kimtindo na ilikuwa grad present from dad I think, nikaigawa. Ya tatu nilinunua mwenyewe nilipojiunga na MWUCE ili kulua muda, nilikuwa nimetoka sec kule kuna kengele, lakini hapo kukawa hakuna, ikanibidi. Sasa huyu mama ambaye napiga mikonozzzz naye amenipatia saa yangu ya mkono(ni) ya NNE!!! Ana duka la vitabu hapa Cordoba "Libreria la Carmen". Good person, talkative like all Spaniards, well we couldn´t speak. She doesn´t speak English and I don´t speak Spanish, but it was bonitó.

My friends

2008-12-13T00:32:00.004+03:00

Mama alitualika kwa msosi, dogo kule ni DJ.

Lola, Manuel na wengine, tulikuwa klub hapo.

Blanca and Ana

Mezquita

2008-12-12T22:10:00.006+03:00

Hii ni landmark maarufu sana hapa Cordoba, in fact ni kama alama ya Cordoba, yaani huwezi kuzungumza kuhusu huu mji bila kutaja "Mezquita". Mwanzoni, historia na archeology zinadai ilikuwa ni "cathedral" ambalo baada ya uvamizi na conquest ya Wislamu (Waarabu?) walibalisha matumizi na kuwa msikiti maridhawa. Wakristo waliwashinda na kuwafukuza Waarabu (Moors) hao kama 1200 hivi na ku-regain jengo hilo ambalo mpaka sasa ni "catedral" ya dayosisi ya Cordoba.

Nahudhuria Jubilee

2008-12-12T21:32:00.005+03:00

Hapa tupo La Mancha, katikati mwa Spain, tambarare sana hapa na kilimo kwa sana. Ni kijiji alichozaliwa Pd Miguel, El Toboso has about 2000 inhabitants, robust and beautiful.

Pd Miguel, the celebrant na Pd Pepe wakipiga miayo kabla ya msosi kuwasili.

Plate iko empty lakini ashaanza kula kichokoa meno, anajifanya Mhe. Temba nini? Mi amigo D. Paco

Wacha mambo yako watu tunagonga menyu.... Ni kama anasema vile, Pd Miguel Angel

Mdau nawakilisha Mang´ola

Sherehe...!

2008-12-12T21:15:00.005+03:00

Cerveza (biere) zimekolea hapo ni kama glass ya 8 hivi, imnimwagikia kunako trousser, wananiambia ni alama kuwa sherehe iko pwa! Asikwambie mtu.
Hata sikumbuki nilimwambia nini vile...

Kama vile na-brush skills? Hamna kitu.....

Moshiiii! Mwanaume watu mitaa hii wanakula mafegi Mungu anajua!

Nilikuwepo kwa TV News jana

2008-12-12T15:10:00.004+03:00

Click hapa kwenye link hii kuna kaji-video hapa afu forward hadi muda usome 18:50min-22:27min hapo ndipo kinachonihusu kinapoanza, tafsiri ya kilichosemwa (mi mwenyewe sijui kilichosemwa!) kwa sasa sina lakini naahidi kuitafuta. Now my pimpled face is all ova Spain.

Nakam Back

2008-12-12T14:36:00.002+03:00

Kuna waliofikiri nitazamia, aah wapi! Ya huku nimeyaona na ninafikiri ni bora kula sahani moja na mafisadi wenzangu huko hom kuliko ku-stay mitaa hii. Kwa hiyo esta mañana nakwea pipa toka Madrid to Amsterdam afu baadae naunganisha mpaka KIA. Kwa hiyo tukutane holidei nyumbani, kama kawaida nakwenda kwa hija Kilema.

Nimetembelea shule!

2008-12-02T15:27:00.010+03:00

Ni Colegio Trinitarios, colegio isikutishe sio college unayoifikiria, hapa shule zinaitwa hivyo.

I was invited to a school near where I live in which the wife of Pd Pepe´s sister firstborn is teaching. It is a private school owned by some congregation of RC priests. as you can see in the first picture it is a three storey building in which the first floor is Pre-school (3-6 year-olds), the second floor is Primary school (6-14 year-olds) and the upper floor is Secondary school (+14 year olds).

Observation:

classes are small here usually less than 25 students in a class
in secondary they´ve got some 11 subjects
well equiped in all fields, sports and games included
parents come to pick their children; especially pre-school and primary. I hear its due to insecurity
one class session is 1hr in sec school
sec school don´t wear uniforms as you can see in 4th picture
a school will generally be having all education levels i.e. pre-school, primary and secondary
am forced to think that their syllabus is limited to Spain and Europe, very little is taught of Africa

Cordoba from roof of the house am living

2008-12-02T15:20:00.002+03:00

Naishi 11 Ronda de Marrubial, huo ukuta mzee ni wa tangu enzi za Warumi, hapa ukiwa unjenga afu ukakutana na any type of historical structure or something of archeological value, unakiacha kama kilivyo. Sio kama Dar ambapo watu wanademolish very old buildings and antiques without pity.

Hospital

2008-12-02T15:14:00.005+03:00

Oparesheni ya jicho la kulia, Ijumaa tar 24, Nov 2008. Hapo naandaliwa.

Longing for Europe? Well....

2008-12-01T20:58:00.004+03:00

Pic. El Corte Ingles, hypermarket in Coboda and many other Spanish cities and towns, you get everything here and its expensive.

Tomorrow I´m travelling to Madrid (about 400km from here) in which to get there I can take train 1h40min, or by bus´+5hrs or plane. It is usual here for many to take train which I also did. When I´m talking of trains in these parts of the world, don´t try to imagine TRL (Reli ya Kati) or TAZARA. Trains in these parts are fast (about 250km/h), reliable, comfy inside, and well, no hawkers to disturb you!
That I´m going to Madrid isn´t something you need know, do you? I´m telling this ´cause I´d to buy a ticket, so I went ot the station to get it.There I met one broder (brother) from The Gambia, West Africa. This guy has been to the station since early morning, he wants to go to Barcelona. To get there he needs about 70euros and he´s only 20euros. He´s there seeing for any good samaritan to get him the remaining amount. Just try to think of the cold here (3 degrees C) and hunger because he cannot use the money he has for food else he won´t get to Barcelona. This broder has been here for almost a year, he came through Senegal by boat offcourse.
Negroes (Blacks) are very few here, so when you happen to see one you´re like, wow! So this guy saw me and came to play his fortune, to ask for some money so that he can travel. It is almost 1815hrs freezing evening and all signs taht it´ll rain or something, showers have started by the way. He spoke, I listened not able to help in any way. Why? you may ask, well, first I didn´t at that point trusted him, and second I didn´t had any extra for him too. My ticket costed me some 90euros. He smelled like someone who hadn´t enjoyed the luxury of bath for some weeks, mouth was dry signifying hunger and despair. Anyone would pity him, but here everybody is having enough problems for himself so nobody really cares, I´d say. There is all this economic crisis and everybody seems to feel its pangs, businesses closing and bars and pubs generally empty.
So to all who hunger for a nafasi to come to First World you´re welcome, but you´ve got to be prepared. Get your university degree or something, get your legal documents and save some cents for a start-up then come, else it´s not all glittering here. Also for those who would wish to be born a dog in Europe than a person in Dark Continent, bingo! Just imagine locked inside for the whole day, only to get out when your owner is back from work for a stroll in the public park or street, with a strap round your neck and all fast food! If you were thinking of inzi, don´t even think of it. They really don´t like houseflies, that means you´ll be dead before long when you get here.
When I was coming some friends were telling, don´t come back; zamia! Ain´t gonna do that whatever, wherever!
Am out

Reporting from Cordoba, Spain

2008-11-18T22:45:00.003+03:00

Hullo ndugu wadau,

It has been a while no reports from Mang´ola, well I like to think that I´ve been busy and occupied to what I really don´t know.

Comprendes, I´d like to present this report live from Spain, a city called Cordoba where I´ve been since Fri 14th. Am here for some serious eye treatment, I got this cataract thing. Seen a lot and wished to post some photos but next time.

As for now naomba kuwakilisha!

Victor looks BUSY!

2008-06-28T12:00:00.002+03:00

Fr Lyamtane gets personal

2008-06-28T11:41:00.001+03:00

There were some reasons to laugh also

2008-06-28T11:30:00.003+03:00

Adelgunda from Visitation and Eveta who is MWUCE student on the way to the library to prepare, I guess, the portfolio

um

2008-06-28T11:19:00.002+03:00

I posted this one after I realized that it was only yesterday I knew how BIG my nose is! Thanks Santa for taking this

After a busy, long morning session

2008-06-27T18:05:00.001+03:00

Working together

2008-06-27T18:01:00.003+03:00

Sr Stella, Philip, Maryflora, Innocent Samky and um, am sorry to forget your name!

Prof gets personal

2008-06-27T17:55:00.002+03:00

Attentive to every detail as always, Mama Gus

Soja and Nyau

2008-06-27T17:49:00.002+03:00

Am sorry Nyau I couldn't get your laughing face!

Less costs, effective teaching materials

2008-06-27T17:34:00.003+03:00

On Friday we had Mr Allen discussing "Teaching without sufficient teaching materials", the task was given to spend less of the 5000 shillings. Mashaka Mahenge, Crispin Shayo "Nyau", Adelgunda, Serafine and Mugaya won. They made very practical but inexpensive periscope for a Physics class. Kudos guys, but I don't think your idea was novel"

The facilitators

2008-06-27T17:16:00.004+03:00

Mr. Nzao will usually get really as excited as young gazelle at a mere mention anything with "participatory" and the use of "locally available material " He presented in Wes on "Teaching using participatory methods a large class" which to be honest was rather boring and uninteresting. But thanks amn you were good!

This man promised us participant all the good life at MWUCE, he's the Coordinator and he would peep in and check out what we were doing and helped a lot to put thing in simple Tanzania understanding, if I may call.

Sr Augustina and Prof Shelley

Profs Vavrus and Lesley

2008-06-27T17:10:00.003+03:00

Did something went wrong or? Well, I can't guess but these were the brains behind this year's workshop, both from Teachers' College, Columbia Univ NY.
One thing I liked about them is that they are FOR OBAMA!

TIA 08: the photos are here!

2008-06-27T12:23:00.006+03:00

The look on the face of Anitha and Rebecca tells it all! LOOK BUSY!

Sr. Stella and Edith, the nun is from Mtwara.

Prof Vavrus from the Teachers' College, Columbia Univ. NY stressing something over to Richard

We managed one or two sunny days were some of our guests who have never seen mount Kili were able to witness unleashing her beauty

For the pic

2008-06-26T16:06:00.001+03:00

The maintainer of this blog wishes to express his sincere sorry for not having posted any photos to the moment, I took some and hopefully the will be on your screen before tomorrow evening, unless otherwise.

TIA: mid week and thur

2008-06-26T15:46:00.002+03:00

This year's workshops are full of excitement and fun with lots of active activities, hot discussions and experiences. The seminar has now gone through the mid week with four cases already discussed. Wednesday was about the problem of using participatory m,ethods while teaching a large class, assume having a hundred and fifty young people making all that hell of noise and the discipline issues connected to that. Mr. Nzao presented using a rather vague case study as I may think and a lot of examples.
Today it was Sr. Augustina's turn to look at the problem that we all face in our classes of having students with varied learning speeds, cognitions, style etc. The day started off with a "Learning style questionnaire" which I scored RED meaning I am some sort of independent, unstructured, practical, self directed learner which I assume I possess. It was then followed by a discussion using a method called "discussion carousel". We had some reflection session and some teachers including me gave their experiences in the schools they are from. Most including me totally disagreed to the idea of streaming*grouping with very interesting account from Rev. Uwoya
I would say today wasn't as bored as it was yesterday that we witnessed some participant snoring off!!
During the evening session we were dealing with SoW, Lesson plans and teaching and learning aids. It reminded me of Mrs. Hellen and Miss Sussanah, I missed them both. I'm doing a form two topic "Water management for economic development" specifically on the sub-topic "Riveter Basin Development" of which I made a map for students simulation and role play activities on decision making,
The day is ended with smile on my face remembering the Tuesdays I had making models, posters, creating role plays or learning how to use a digital camera with Erick.
One thing I do not understand is the college website has got virtual nothing regarding this ongoing event. Can someone help me do something about it?

TIA 2008

2008-06-24T17:19:00.003+03:00

So two days of the TIA seminar have ended, with a lot already learned, discussed: new methods and skill, in general this year's workshops are all but fruitful. It is though tiresome and sometimes well, boring!
We are now busy creating portfolios; schemes of work, lesson plans, teaching materials and notes, just a hell lot of things.
This years' seminar also introduced a new technique for teacher preparation prior to class sessions called Topic Design Plan (TDP). Being a very novel idea in Tanzania education, and I hope am privileged to one of the few first in Tanzania to get it, proved hard to get it through and right. But life's is a never ending school so I hope even my colleagues who have been to job for long than I are benefiting from this new experience.
Another intersting and difficult part is the construction of a case study story suitable for practical use in our classes, challenging but well worth it!

TIA 2008

2008-06-24T13:57:00.002+03:00

Hello and welcome to my blog once more! I am writing from Mwenge University where am attending the second edition of the Teaching in Action (TIA) seminar and workshops. This year it has grown in number, content and facilitators including the brains behind the seminar Prof. Vavrus who was missing last year. We are here since Sunday evening and will be for the whole week till Saturday.
We've had two case studies done: Negative attitudes toward Maths and Issues pertaining to Discipline when using participatory approaches to teaching and general.

Lost, found!

2008-06-16T17:38:00.002+03:00

I posted my last f****g entry last yera in Dec. I've been so busy I guess. Man'ola is where I still belong and used and familiar I am becoming.

Season's Greetings

2007-12-21T11:59:00.000+03:00

'ts going to be Eid el Hajj, I hear there are usually lots of slaughtering here: goats and sheep are favourites, closely followed by X-Mas and after a week for those who'll be lucky New Year 2009. Nimekwenda kijijini, tunavyoondoka mujini kwenda huko tunataniwa kuwa tunaenda kwa sensa aka kuhesabiwa, wengine wanasema roll call na mengineyo. Labda kubwa ni kuwa Yesu atazaliwa Moshi kama kawaida na atashuka toka mlima Kili. Kama hutaki wala sikulazimishi. Usiku wa kuamkia leo ni balaa, bojo aka mvua ya maana imemwagika Shimbwe, Kishumundu na wapi huko sijui hakuendeki.
Mbarikiwe!!!

The School mag

2007-12-18T14:22:00.000+03:00

I think I liked this....

TEACHER AND MY NEW FACE
Teacher’s my guardian, my way and my root of education. When you thresh your seed of origin ‘CHEMISTRY’ on me I play. Whatever you plant on me is for my grantage but for me this is the way it’s happen to me like this I do this and this are my results. Some of your word fell along the jokes, my foolishness trodden them and cover them with my wrapped carpet. Evil and bless my mind. I failed and make another trial the day, month a year passes like a ‘windstorm you’ advice me but this are my respond. In half of your advice of a fruitfully tree grew up with no root’s, when they started to grew because of my careless it dry up. in the days I tried, thorn grew with it and choked it.
Before you cleared your hands I get a shadow I reflect and this is my image. When you’re talking to me with my negligence they dry up. When i change I receive your seeds with joy but unluckily in tests they go away.
When I receive them fast stand by my own and my fruits are valueless. This is what happening to most of my fellow students and i. when you teach on the chalkboard at your back we make jokes. When you have test I sit at the back whispered you where serious I laugh twice .in my holiday chit my parents to go to tuition but not. When I have a speech or debate I act as I have no voice, troublesome and so on. Now I get and understand what you have said. But I’m too late. What about your future? Now I have to finish up form four brother’s and sister’s cry when I remember one day you said.”I will suffer with my companies why!”I come my self-wont turn my self’ it’s my fault, it’s my fault! How about you? By TWINS Doryn Doryc

Sis grad contd

2007-12-18T14:13:00.001+03:00

I had to give a speech on beahalf of dad. think I liked it I was like wow!
There was a cake too. Om the left is Vicky she's at IFM in Dar taking Banking I think so.

2007: Started it inebriated, and 4 shots in the air... 2008:...?

2007-12-18T14:05:00.000+03:00

first episode

I still remember it very well. ‘Twas around saa 5:49 usiku, when my mom woke me up from an alcohol-influenced slumber in the sitting on the sofa. At the time I had around 5 Serengetis and 3 Safaris plus a “kibinti”- an alias for the medium sized Konyagi. Woke up, wearily took dad´s double-barrelled hunting shotgun, four stout bullets and went out to shoot the sky! That´s how I received New Year 2007
Well, that year wasn´t bad though am not implying that it was that good! Anyway for your information during those festivities I broke my first spectacles: a 0.75x magnification piece of glass! In February I sat for my Nashunal Diploma in Education exams and done exceptional well; had 7 mind-numbing subjects, anything from child development to Azimio la Arusha to better ways of using the blackboard. Out of those I scored 2 As and rest Bs. Not too bad, aagh that was at Mwenge Univ College of Edu, spent less than two years struggling to be “enlightener”! A job that many Bongo Flava generation wish not to hear.

second episode

The gooda thing was I´d my first interview and job at Masama Girls´ Sec School two days before my exams. It was on Jumamosi and did my first paper on Monday. How cool? But well, not so cool, in fact I didn´t honour the appointment. Problem? I wish you´d known already, the “basket” as my Geo lecturer Mr. Magigi used to call it. Man, I´m the firstborn, having 5 other siblings, a 73-year old dad and mum. Now you expect me to land in a 154,000/= a month remuneration before tax, NSSF, leaders tea, CWT etc. etc. deductions? Hell no I couldn´t allow! Yeah I´d have free housing, lunch and whatnot but that wouldn´t be enough.
So I did my exams, one day after exams I presented myself to yet another interview at Edmund Rice Sinon Sec School in Arusha, Engo area some 6km away from town centre. It was Saturday when I met this Aussie, Br. Frank O´Shea, a Christian Brothers missionary with some 12 years in Tanzania, the headmaster. We talked and fortunately I´d gone through the net and got most of what I needed to know about the place. Attention for all job seekers, employers are usually happy when you show that you know one or two things about their company, org or school as in my case, do a research. Back to the endeavour, I got the job as easily. Well they needed me and I was from a prestigious college, they wanted to get the best of me and Mwenge! Here no housing, but fatter purse, aan 180000 bob was waiting. No deduction at this point as it is probationary period. In March I started job.
Aagh this year all are good things, there was this comrade of mine from the college, Chumwaki , he also had a job at the place. He started earlier than I did, so he was my man for that, I arrived, stayed with sis at Tangi la Maji for two days before we rent ours. The landlady is in the school board so it was easy. The house was big, with water and TANESCO power. We took double rooms at 20000 bob a month, power and water tariffs exclusive. That was going to be my home for some 4 months. There I bought my first piece of furniture, a 5ftx6ft, high polished mahogany bed at 150000/=. May be I was content may be not. I don´t really remember!
The job wasn´t very rewarding, you know shouting for some 80min to find out that only a fraction of the class really understood you, truant chaps, noise makers, disturbing moments and all that just remember I was a first timer so it wasn´t easy. But did it, taught Civics form 3, Geo form 3D (I dont mean three dimensions!) and English form 4B. The problem started when the probationary period ended and I was to sign a “long-lasting” contract. I was confident and hoped for a better deal, but that wasn´t the case. My contract document clearly stated that a new contract will be signed after a successful completion of the probationary period and after the parties have negotiated the salary and reaching a common ground. To my bolt from the blue when I got into this office I found that someone else has negotiated my salary for me, didn´t like it therefore didn´t sign it but stayed. Underground during all these moments I´d contact with a certain headmistress in Karatu so I was generally at ease, I was mull over the deals. Regrettably for ERSSS, well auspiciously for me I opt for Karatu. I wrote and marked end of the term exams, fill in the result sheets and parents report forms, clean heartedly. Took my double salaries for May and June, left for a Teaching In Action (TIA) seminar (workshop?) at MWUCE. I came back, reported to my boss, it was Jumatano, and on Friday I left for Mang’ola Chini, Anna Gamazo Sec School. The nastiest thing i did was that I didn´t say goodbye to no one than buddies Chumwaki, Juma and Emil, not even dad nor mom even my girlfriend at the time. The deal was better here, I´m sorry I haven´t reached the best deal as yet, free housing, water, generator power and a good pay I´d declare.

third episode

That Friday I arrived was 06th of July signed my 6-months contact on 07th and started job on Monday 09th so now I´m here hoping to spend some more months before I go on with my search for best deal. Until then I´ll continue my chronicle as from 10th July to the end of the year.

Sis grad

2007-10-31T11:02:00.000+03:00

Sis Grad @ Ondoa Ujinga Tz (OUT)

2007-10-31T10:37:00.001+03:00

'Twas held in Dar @ the Old National Stadium on 27th day of October, sis Glory graduated with adiploma in a programme called CYP (Commonwealth Youth Programme) She was one of only seven Tanzanians out of a bunch of Kenyans and Ugandans.

Barabara

2007-10-13T09:25:00.000+03:00

At last barabara ya kuelekea Mang'ola mpaka hukoMatala Singida imeanza kutengenezwa. Sio kwa kiwango cha lami bali kukwanguliwa tu na kuongezwa tabaka la gravel. Hatua hii mbaya sana lakini watu wa malori hajafurahi biashara ndoh ivo tena itavamiwa na watu wenye hata pickup kubeba kitunguu cha Mang'ola,Malekchanda nk.
Fomu kwa ajili ya kujiunga na Pre-form one zinatolewa. Bei shs 3000, sharti awe msichana (mwaka huu hatutaki boys for good!) aliyemaliza std 7 mwaka huu au uliopita. Entrance exam tar 10 Nov. KARIBU

The Mag afterall finished n out!

2007-10-13T09:12:00.000+03:00

Well the life at Mang'ola esp AnnaGamazo wasn't that bad afterall. I was appointed to ensure that the school mag is well typed, edited and printed to the quality. It cost my pocket but with some sweet fruits and am proud!The pics are for the front and back pages. The whole thing had 32 pages, some 20 pics, 2 cartoons, about 40 articles, stories, features and others.

Teaching in Action

2007-09-15T13:29:00.000+03:00

Kuna semina nimesema tulihudhuria way last three months. Well the org which organised, and financed it called AfricAid founded by a young American girl to suppor girl education. Hebu watembelee afu utajua mengi zaidi na kuhusu semina pia. Bofya hapa

Orbirtuary

2007-09-12T12:04:00.000+03:00

One of our students, Levina Aloyce committed suicide last week. As matter of fact I didnt know her good but I can say she was a cool, ambitious and hardworking student who would have finished form four this year, but she's gone!
I wrote a poem for her

Death
's like an announcement over PA
blaring loud and clear

for everybody to hear
yet there comes fear.
But if Father's home we're all wanting
death is the only way to go?
can't we get used!

Anna Gamazo Sec

2007-09-12T12:02:00.001+03:00

WHY SCIENCE SUBJECTS ESPECIALLY MATHEMATICS.
BY Nemayan David
Edited by Hyasinter Tarimo

As the matter of speaking, they normally say science subjects are difficult, other say they are not understandable and some are saying they need a tolerant person. Is it true? Can we accept the slogan? Why shouldn’t we do something?
Science subject especially mathematics is immense problem in our academic ‘safari’. It can be identified that, this is the problem of the whole world. According my research, I discovered that the thing which pushes back science subjects is “LAZINESS’’. Most of the students do not struggle and they do not bother to disturb their mind.
Apart from laziness, also there is lack of cooperation among students and between teachers and students. Obvious students do not want to listen to what they are told by their teachers. They are obstinate to practice their responsibility.
To have a good performance in this subject, laziness should be abolished, also having cooperation between teachers and students.
Also it needs a lot of time in doing revision of what has been taught in the classes. If Kifungilo why not Anna Gamazo? So bear in your mind that;
“NO SWEET WITHOUT SWEAT” also “NO PAIN, NO GAIN”.

Anna Gamazo Sec

2007-09-12T11:58:00.000+03:00

I'm organising a mag for the school written solely by students this is one of the articles:
MANG´OLA WITHOUT ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
By Wenseslaus John

Mang´ola RC church should be given reputation congratulation and grateful for the necessities done by this church here in mangola. This church under two priests Pepe and Michael they have brought changes in Mang´ola.
In terms of believes this church was trying to change people from their wrong believes that have been conducted by their leaders. At the beginning there were few worshipers compared to nowadays. Also RC church tried to expand its branches so as to make good word of the God known to the people.
Father Michael and Pepe did this for their coming to Mang´ola we know Mang’ola has endemic diseases like malaria due to this disease majority of people have died without any treatment but after the coming of these Fathers they got an idea of building a hospital which after building they found skilled people to work there.
At this time the hospital christened “Askofu Hando” is under the supervision of Miguel and Pepe also this hospital has developed in technology for the treatment of sick people because now the hospital has the well equipped laboratories, X ray room and operation room and enough medicine for treatment compare to the beginning.
Also on the other hand these two priest saw that there another problem that the people of Mang’ola needed education that could help them to manage their life so they built a secondary school called ANNA GAMAZO SECONDARY SCHOOL their supervision and stills this school is progressing enough while it is going to have Advanced level (A-level) students this year 2007 according to their good supervision they have enabled to bring good teachers who are teaching very well compare to the results of form two national examinations in 2004, 2005 and 2006 also the form four results in 2006 the school has tried to give the students more tests in order to do well in their examinations
Therefore these two priests should be given more respect and congratulation for what they have done in Mang’ola for their coming to Mang’ola in 1993 when Mang’ola was like unknown area that people can not live compare to now day’s Mang´ola is still developing day after day in the stimulation brought by these priests.

Nipo Mang'ola Chini

2007-07-29T10:05:00.000+03:00

Well mimi ni mzima, naomba kutao ka taarifa kuwa kwa sasa sipo tena Edmund Rice bali nimekimbilia porini wilaya ya Karatu ka shule kanaitwa Anna Gamazo. Huko hakuna internet hivyo habari na picha zaidi labda at the end of the moon nikija town. Kuna mengi ya kueleza, picha na matukio. Hivi unajua kuwa vitunguu unavyoungia mboga viinatoka mitaa ya huko nilipo? The land is fascinating dry, stony, windy but deadly rich-soil valley where maize, onions, rice and many others grow.

Huku wamejaa WaTindiga, WaIrawq, na makabila mengine hasa yale ya Stone Age
pia WaChagga wapo wengi na ndio wamiliki wakubwa, kama kawaida yao, wa maduka na baa.

Climate ya huku very frustating, you can't tell whether its semi-desert, but it has a valley whose land produces hefty.

Shule iko financed na lady toka Spain called Anna Gamazo thru her organisation called AGH (Anna Gamazo Humanitarian Foundation?) well kitu kama hiyo.
Kama kawida nafundisha Geo na Eng, classes are smaller here and students though not very able but can!
Next taim!!

MWUCE shall live in me!

2007-06-20T13:17:00.001+03:00

Hizi photos ni za grad. 'Twas early Feb. As I'm here for a seminar I came across them on the internet computer at the college and thought it'll be good I have them for you ndugu mdau.

This is the way (road?) to the dorms; on this one some friends in Y1 diploma, (L) Agripina and (R) Rosalia

This another 's SantaClaus and Agripina, one of the my favourite girls. 'Twas in the night, full of 'boob', we were having Serengetiz kwa kwenda front that day. See the man....

Na MissMacha yupo!

2007-06-19T12:30:00.000+03:00

Hapa ilikuwa grad. She's in Vunjo Sec now. Malamiko tuuu ohh mitoto haielewi Maths. Halafu inafeli mitihani yangu. Basi tu tulipiga mistori! Kushoto kule ni Madame Mariaflora sasa yupo Tanga kuna kashule ka girls kule anapambana. Taarifa nilizonazo 'kachana' huyoooo!

Nimepa-miss 'home'

2007-06-19T12:17:00.000+03:00

We are here for a seminar? workshop? titled 'Teaching in Action'. Did not come as many may be others are busy or couldn't afford staying for 5 days 'free!' Meals isn't what people need most when it comes to a semina! Salamu zao
Started yesterday morning with address from the Principal and the #1 case study was 'Large Classes' presented by Mr Nnzao. 'Twas fine though started boring. More news later I'm going for lunch

Whaaaaat!

2007-05-30T12:01:00.000+03:00

Did Laura see this? And who's that guy down there? And godamnit, the 1 behind?

ETW

2007-05-29T11:30:00.000+03:00

Sat 26th May 2007

The GraveSide

Lost my phone
It started late
Hated being there
Hated being there
Bit boring; same, the taught and ‘taughter’! read Freire

What had me there!

Programme: English Teachers’ Workshop (ETW)
Venue: Makumira Secondary School
Facilitator: Mr. Tamamu, Deputy Zonal Inspector of Schools, Northern Zone.
Theme: Strategies for Presenting Language III texts.

How it went

Introductions; just your name and school you are from as plain as that, my name is so and so from there! (do not ask me what I expected!)

Do you know what are frozen relations? So we started off the day with an Ice breaker:
a. What dries as it gets wet?
Towel, tissue paper
b. How many eyes do you have?
Two (2)! Damnit that’s obvious! even a blind would say so. Be ‘eyes’ though this is a distracter.
c. Which river in the world has four ‘aiz’?
People were caught and started asking which ‘ai’ but the answer was the Mississippi. Therefore the idea of Homo-phones, nyms, graphs etc.
Then followed a Warm up activity; facilitator was really pressing on this that teachers do apply this in class. An example; gone into a class that had Maths the preceded period, got in, start right away with your English lesson! Phew!
So we did an activity on Anagrams: more on wordsmith

Sort out the following anagrams as shown in the example below:-
Change agree into another word for keen= eager
Now you can do this:
Change asleep into word used by polite people
Change beard into something you eat
Change below into part of the body
Change bleat into an item of furniture
Change cheap into fruit
Change swap into an insect
Change thing into time of day
Change cruelty into word for knives, forks, etc.
Change chain into a country
Change flog into a popular sport
Change flow into (a) an animal (b) a bird
Change super into something you keep money
Change lamp into another part of the body
Change hated into something that comes to everybody
Change rat into a substance used in making tarmac roads
More on anagrams on the net including this one from manythings.org, I liked this site, this one creates anagram after you've put a word. To be honest being a student is one of the most few sweet things in the world that I enjoy
Now to the THEME
HANDLING LANGUAGE III TEXTS

Some questions rose as ‘why should it be called lang. III?’ etc. (any guess?)
Some flashback followed thing like
The theory of Literature
The definition:- artistic use of lang. to reflect social realities.
More on Internet Public Lib and on Wiki

Consider:
Marriage has lot of problems (plain lang.)
A husband is a band to bind your life
A wife is a knife to cut your life

So we agreed that literature is

Imaginative
Artistic
Uses lang. as medium
Expresses social experiences, realities, problems etc. political, cultural, economic etc.

Then followed lengthy discussion on figures of speech; similes, metaphor, hyperbole, irony, satire, and well you know ‘em. <more on fig. o speech; activity, wiki
We went through topics as Literature and Society and saw that lit. develops from the society as it draws political etc. experiences from that society. Consider Hugh Langston’s
‘The Ballad of the Landlord’ or Claude Makaay’s ‘If we must Die’.
Followed by Literature and Culture and concluded that lit. is an expression of culture. Consider ‘Three Suitors one Husband’ and Ngugi wa Thiongo’s ‘The River Between’.

We then did Types of Lit.(oral written), their differences, Forms/Genres of Lit. ( non-fiction fiction drama poetry), form and content, and wind up with Functions of lit. (didactic aesthetic)

The day was steamy and hot, we took a break.

The following session was mainly on teaching strategies and methods; specifically how to get pupils interested, motivated etc.
The facilitator introduced two excellent methods on ‘Characters and characterization’ namely; Name dropping and Cross Word puzzle.

An example of Name dropping taken from 'Things Fall Apart'
I innocent
K knowledgeable
E energetic
M martyr
E entertaining
F friendly
U unexpectedly meets death
N naive
A adaptable

After general introduction and quick explanation of the two method we got into work; trying to create the two activities using different texts. Before we left we had to display what we did in the groups, I enjoyed group work dearly.

Bwawa la maini!!

2007-05-24T11:20:00.000+03:00

Kwanza hongereni kwa kipindi cha kwanza cha soka la kuvutia na poleni kwa kipigo. Lakini dont mind even the coach himself appreciated the good job done by the The Rossoneri labda huniamini hebu soma hapa mwenyewe.

Mwl. Chum wah key upo?

2007-05-18T15:07:00.001+03:00

Kweli kazi ipo!

Halafu mlete ubishi, eti ualimu Kazi?

Mi sijui sana lakini hilo jibu lina look korektle muno hadi nakuwa konvinsd!

Do I need a title?

2007-05-18T14:42:00.000+03:00

No idea!

2007-05-18T14:29:00.000+03:00

Sina hakika lakini nafikiri naanza kupotoka! Hivi nilipoanza kublog what did i wanted to show the world?

Teh tehe!

2007-05-02T11:46:00.000+03:00

Who's who?

2007-05-02T11:44:00.000+03:00

Cjui ncheke?

2007-05-02T11:37:00.000+03:00

Sanaa ni Kioo

2007-04-23T15:36:00.000+03:00

Sina hakika lakini nafikiri bado unamkumbuka Bi. Mkora wa Majira, gazeti huru la kila siku. Mcheki hapa! Yuko full ooi!

Ze Dustbin!

2007-04-13T13:24:00.000+03:00

Ndugu wadau haka kaPasaka kanakoishia-ishia nilikuwa mgombani aka Moshi. Leo naandika kwa sababu kuna vitu viwili hivi nilivyoviona nataka ku-share.
Kwanza, usafi. Inawezekana na ninakubali kuwa Moshi ni kamji kadogo, pia hakana population kubwa hasa ikifika jioni kwani waChagga wote hukimbilia Machame, Marangu, Kiwoso, Mwika na kwingineko kulala lakini jamani Moshi kusafi. Kilichonivutia zaidi ni hawa akina mama wauza ndizi mbivu. Wako wengi siku hizi pale Moshi. Wanatembeza ndizi zao kichwani mji mzima. Wao tofauti na sehemu nyingine, ukinunua ndizi na ukaonyesha dalili kwamba utaila hapohapo, watakusubiri umenye, ule halafu wachukue ganda. Nilimuona mmoja kabeba ndizi kwenye sijui tenga lile? Pamoja na maganda yake. Halafu akafika kwenye “dustbin” (Kiswahili hapa nini?, kopo la taka?; kiwekea taka?; Msaada kwenye tuta!) nakumbuka ilikuwa ni pale Kibo Coffee Bar, akasimama aka-unload maganda aliyokusanya kwenye mizunguko yake akaondoka. Umombo hapa ; I was really moved!

Pili, vitambulisho kwa chingaz pale bus stand. Kumbe hili nalo linawezekana, kuwawezesha vijana wajasiriamali kutambulika kama waajiriwa wengine. Pale kituo kikuu cha mabasi wana kautaratibu ambako kamenifurahisha. All chingaz aka wamachinga aka marching guys/ladies wana vitambulisho na sare? (uniform). Wauza mkate, wauza matunda wote, moja wanavaa makoti (kama yale ya waganga) meupe au hudhurungi mgongoni ymeandikwa kwa maandishi makubwa:

Muuza mikate Stend: Fuata sheria za Stendi
Muuza matunda (ndizi?): Fuata sheria za Stendi
Chinga Room No. XX: Fuata sheria za Stendi

Mbili wana vitambulisho vyenye picha, jina na stamp ya meneja wa stand. Safi hiyo!
Mimi nafikiri hii ni changamoto kwa town councils, municipalities na city councils nyingine hapa TZ na East Africa kwa ujumla na pia kwetu cityzens kwamba usafi unaanza na sisi wenyewe. Halafu baadae waje site (soma ilivyo sio neno la kiIngereza) au manispaa.
Kalaghabaho!!!

AFTER LONG!

2007-03-23T09:48:00.000+03:00

Hullo outta there! It has been long since I last wrote phew! My fault? May be! Well, I had this two-week time stuck up for the Nashunal diploma in Education Exams and then goes to this other side of the country where Internet is an alien thing. After a long walks and fruitless effort over getting a job, I finally struck one at Edmund Rice Sinon Secondary School in Arusha. I’m yet to get settled. Lots to do, plan, write, mark, just a hectic of a thing!
So wadau, be informed that I’ll be coming to you live from ERSSS in A-town. I’m getting to know around and I think there will be much to talk about over few days.
At present I’m teaching something like 25 periods a week. Geography in F.3 D, Civics in Form 3 (About 200 kids!) and English in Form 4 B. To be honest I never wanted to do any Civics whatsoever, but well I’m doing it. Be told, the thing is boring and I really hate it and it does hate me too, equally!

The 'un'grad Grad-new

2007-02-08T12:42:00.000+03:00

Don't be suprised and think i was enrolled for a degree programme somewhere and i did not tell you.
Its just a 'kokoto' you know dis days even in kindergarten they are wearing this big, black, ugly, unfitting gown. @@##$%^^**&&Y(*((

The 'un'grad Grad-contd

2007-02-04T14:20:00.000+03:00

Wakati wenzangu wakiwa wanajaribu grad gowns zao mi nlikuwa niko kwenye display ya Geo. Huyu mzee nnamwelezea kuhusu kutumia ICT in Geo teaching and learning. I sometimes wonder I've got this very serious looking face that I'm afraid to take photos of me.

(Ma)geuzi/pinduzi ya Web 2.0

2007-02-03T10:19:00.000+03:00

Siyo tu kwamba sasa webuni hakuna mmiliki, bali ni juu yako wewe na mimi kuangaza na kujidai.
Lakini ni nini hasa, hebu jifunze hapa

The 'un'grad Grad-contd

2007-02-02T21:33:00.000+03:00

Siku ya grad nlikuwa na cam, ndugu yangu askwambie mtu kalinipa shida sana hasa kupata pics za watu important kama liMbwambo(kulia) shot kabisa ni Digna-deg 2 na Emma.
Yeye: Oya Nderu ntakubonda #$%^&* zako!
Wao: Mwache apige afu tunataka tuone tutatokaje! Eti utaziprint?
Mimi: Mwana tulia basi, weka na pozi afu tuone ztatoka vp mbona unataka kumind ishu zenyewe laini tuu....

The 'un'grad Grad-contd

2007-02-02T21:17:00.000+03:00

Hii ilitokea kabla ya mass morning ya grad!
Ke: Nauliza hivi, ulivyovaa ndivyo tulivyoagana jana?
Me: Usimind mbona mambo madogo. Ile ingine ntavaa baada ya mass, c unajua tena!
Ke: Aka! nnchosema kabadilishe au nkumind asa ivi*&^%$#
Me: Poa basi niko na masela unnrusha au we huoni?
(Sasa ndugu msomaji nsaidie kumalizia haka ka dialogue)
Ke:......
Me:.....
Shoto kule ni Emily Macha na misez Veronica Mahaja

The 'un'grad Grad-contd

2007-02-02T20:49:00.000+03:00

Tuimbe wote;
Moja, mbili, tatu twende kazi.....
Suuupu ya kuku wa kienyejiii ni taaamu sanaaaa....
Hata umle mkavu ni tamuuu saaana......

IPCC reports today on Global Warming

2007-02-02T11:48:00.000+03:00

Today in the news it’s all about ‘global warming’, ‘climate change’ and of course ‘IPCC’. Its not that the terms are new, it’s because it’s now or never.

The concern: the report by the IPCC, formed in 1988 by the UN, it is tasked to carry out studies on the causes, impacts, and propose practical solutions as to ‘climate change’ (the term is considered to be more ‘appealing’ not as scary as ‘global warming’). Today in Paris the panel after consultations that lasted for some 4 good days issued their long awaited report and as expected, placed the blame on the ‘humans we’ ,for unscrupulous we are, have fueled the trend with our greed, ignorance, lustfulness. The world is energy hungry. Our economies depend on fossil fuel. And yet some wouldn’t buy the call to minimize, to switch to alternative cleaner, efficient energy sources, America, the cesspool, being one of them. Shame on you. The big USA, Russia and much of the Western Europe plus the emerging economies of China and India are the major criminals.

As Time and Newsweek have reported China, for instance, depends wholly in power generated from coal-fired power station. And we know how good coal can be.

Scientists know and have confirmed that climate change isn’t as new but the speed that is witnessed at this time is the problem. Climate change has been there since time immemorial and that’s why we don’t have dinosaurs no more and lot other creature and plants.

Now the problem is at the new study which was conducted by more than 60 scientists from all over the world. In less than 90 years to come there would be an increase of around 1.1 degrees Celsius to 6.4 degrees Celsius!! Dead we be!!

Now should we run, move to an alien planet? Or we stay and face the results our mess. It has to be everybody’s role and concern to do something for the good for our lovely sick Earth. For centuries she has protected, fed, enrich us without grudges, now what are you doing to see her not perish but continuing to flourish and be a good place to live for you and the coming generations? May be the damage cannot be repaired but we halt the destruction.

It can be done; you just have to play your part!!

The 'un-grad' Grad

2007-01-31T16:51:00.000+03:00

Controversial title? may be!
Well, some pics just for you

Eti, anasoma hapo kweli

2007-01-23T21:21:00.000+03:00

Asikwambie mtu wala hasomi chochote huyo anazuga tu time zisambae. Ilikuwa Sunday jioni hivi! We fikiria tu with reality day kama hiyo...
She's Basilisa mi big flend and MWUCEs librarian.

Ima and 'Shem':Karibu!!

2007-01-21T17:33:00.000+03:00

She came with Ima (guessed anything yet?) Basi when she was browsing Ima akaamua kujichimbia na gazeti kunako makochi makali ya library.
Hii shoot ala hakuistukia. Comment on pozi if you can!

Introducing Maria (Mary?)
Hapa ni Maria, humjui lakini ntakwambia next taim. Ka email kake kalikuwa kamekufa akakafufua na kutuma bonge(sijui niseme ndefu?) la email. Safi hiyo!

Of Being 'Africanist'

2007-01-17T16:43:00.000+03:00

I saw this in the Kenyan daily; ‘The Standard’ dated Monday, January 15^th 2007. Nikaona bora ni-share ili mchangie. Me? Well, I think it holds water. It has touched what I always battle with my old man, a veteran teacher-cum-inspector and area commissioner. Africa really needs more of the Mr. James Shikwati type. Kwanza hebu isome afu…post some comments.

It’s an interview so it starts with a question, well framed I’d say.

Too much wealth, yet so much poverty

Q. Aren’t there good jobs any more?

A. Education systems during the colonial times were designed to produce civil servants for the government. After Independence, none of our governments sat down to reform the education sector, so many graduates have come out of school expecting public service jobs.

In Africa, the majority of people want to get a job with the UN because that means a big car and a nice house. (a good point here!) Let us create jobs. We should teach people that we have the responsibility to be business people. We have the responsibility to solve our problems instead of relying on the international community.

Q. What really contributes to Africa’s poverty?

A. We have received a lot of money but we are still talking about poverty. This is very confusing. Many African countries are still talking about tackling the same problem of 50 years ago. The Millennium Goals are promises African leaders were giving when we got independence, but this time thinly veiled. The whole aid debate is about shutting down the concept of letting somebody else fix our problems, and promoting one where we take responsibility for our problems---we are the ones with the problem, so we must fix it. (Applause!!)

Q. Do you believe in the so-called African solution for African problems?

A. I agree with this statement if it means getting Africans to solve their own problems. But this does not necessarily means there is an African solution. If, for instance, we have seen Slovenia solving its water problems, soil erosion, then it would be stupid for Africans to say, ‘we won’t take that solution, we have to invent own.’ The idea is not that Africans should reinvent new ways; the point is we should be solving our problems.

Drivers be 'eyes'

2007-01-16T10:55:00.000+03:00

Hii nafikiri nimeitoa kwenye gazeti la The Sun la U.K. Sijui ni wapi hapo!!