NURU DAYCARE CHILDREN HOME REPORT.

This activity took place in Kibera - Soweto on Saturday the twentieth. We arrived at Nuru Daycare at around half past nine, after having a balancing challenge test on the bridge to Nuru Daycare. The children were awake, dressed up so smart, and as if they knew we coming, waiting for us. After their warm welcome. We formed two groups. The first group went to the Kitchen and the second one remained with the children, to entertain, talk and keep them busy.

The place was not big enough to play some games, and the children were less than ten years old. They were of mixed gender –boys and girls. We had a photo taking session, we sang and danced with the children, it was fantastic and excellent. The best part was not the smile we put on their faces, but the feeling of fulfillment in our hearts through their smile and joy.

Leila, a child from Nuru Daycare, led us in singing several songs. She was audible, courageous and sang so nicely. Some of them go to school and others do not. At ten, porridge was served to the children, the younger ones below four years are usually fed. It was so nice. After the porridge session, we sang, danced and face painted the children.

Lunch was served at around half past twelve. The kitchen crew prepared rice, minced meat, and cabbage. The meal was delicious. They joined us in feeding them and mingling with the children. After lunch, they had some moments of rest and played. Sweets, then 'TamuTamu', then juice was served. The children were so satisfied. After the juice others slept. It was a celebration or party to them, Christmas to others.

The last session was handing over what the team had come with (mattresses, baby's clothes, flour, popcorns among others) to the organization -Nuru Daycare Children Home. This was followed by a vote of thanks from Pastor James Obedi -the group’s founder, and a brief history of the organization and the organization’s vision. Other teams in our midst like the Networking team also acknowledged. They were so happy to join us and look forward to us partnering with them. We also had visitors in our midst, it was a blessing. By the time we were leaving, it was as if we had lived with those children for years. We had won a special place in their hearts, and if it were possible, they would not let us go.

Nipe Sauti Africa chairman appreciated everyone for their presence and also the organization for welcoming us and giving us the chance to spend time with the children. The day's activity ended with a word of prayer from Miss Teresa Chepngetich.

By: Joan Shisha

My Experience in Bungoma

Sunday morning the 7th August 2016. The favourable weather gave us an opportunity to explore the peaceful community and hike the nearest hill. It was exciting for five members of Nipe Sauti Africa to walk through the city accompanied by our tour guide Musa. Everyone we came across on our way was kind enough to greet us. The community involves in cattle and food crop farming and retail businesses.

We were determined to explore every corner of the hill. From the tall green grass, hidden paths, caves, and trees to get to the peak of the stony hill.

The breathtaking view would allow us a shout, sing, and dance with every memory captured and kept safe behind the camera scenes.

Despite Conrad, Lwanga getting a knee injury the highlight of our expedition was making it to the peak of stones that sat still on each other as if they would fall at any trigger. Our intention was to explore and name the hill Nipe Sauti Africa if we were the first people to visit the place which we were not. Tired, hungry and thirsty it was time to get down the hill.

Our day would be crown by a tasty meal courtesy of our host. With the local delicacy ugali, matoke and chicken in plenty.

The evening had come time to bid Bungoma county goodbye there I got a chance to ride a bicycle as a means of transport for the first time.

With our mission ICT Mashinani accomplished we enjoyed Bungoma county's rich Bukusu culture, attractive cites, and hospitable people
Author: Anne Muisyo

ICT Mashinani Bungoma -Report

6th August 2016 Nipe Sauti African was giving a voice to Bisuche secondary school. Situated at Bumula constituency Bungoma County, Kenya.

8.pm was a perfect time to arrive at Bungoma since it was that time of the year that young boys would have the cut to manhood. We had a glimpse as villagers and family escorted naked boys to the river chatting and dancing to traditional songs.

Nipe Sauti African's arrival at the busy Mayanja market was enough to turn heads and trigger whispers among buyers and sellers. For the motorbike riders, it meant business. It was exciting as we rode close to  2Km to Bisuche secondary school. Not without the county council official stopping us for a duty fee.

But wait, we did not just land here. Friday 5th August 2016 evening was a meeting time at Bomb blast along Moi Avenue as coordinated by Dennis Nangambo. Members got there in turns. Eventually with the computers safely parked and everyone on board a team of twelve was ready for departure.

Despite the long journey and delays along the way it took a few minutes to get ready to start the event. With thirteen members all in Nipe Sauti Africa branded t-shirts we were ready to kick start ICT Mashinani project.

'Bisuche secondary school built in approximately four acres of land, with a relaxed, friendly breeze, trees, and green kept environment. It has classrooms, staffroom and a dormitory under contraction.'

The student dressed in their black and white uniform were filled with excitement to host Nipe Sauti Africa.

An introduction to the teachers and invited guests was done by Mr. George Kisaka, the principal.

Led by  Reverend a brief service was conducted and the six new computers dedicated and prayed for use. With spiritual matters handled the program was handed over to Duncan Mnyogha the master of the event. Every minute was utilised since NSA had a lot to offer. A formal introduction was necessary led by chair Mandela Sangura, with most us getting an opportunity to pass a word of advice to the students.

Mentoring was done by Emmie Chemutai, James Ngige, Ann Muisyo and Duncan Mnyogha. With every speech sending a message of advice, encouragement and motivation to the students. Tonui also gave a speech on his life experiences. Art and talent was not left out Ateya Njike got a chance to entertain and perform a song.

It was time to launch the computers. The students we curious and keen to learn the booting process and typing. Rains cut short our event with chair Mandela Sangura lacking a chance to deliver his speech.

We were served lunch and after that held a meeting. Chair NSA promised to communicate regarding the installation of the computers. Also handed cash offer amount to a needy student for uniform expenses. A vote of thanks from both sides and a word of prayer would bring to a close ICT Mashinani- Bungoma project.

All said and done we had one mission; to create and leave a mark in the lives of Bisuche community that would run for a generation. ICT Mashinani project by Nipe Sauti Africa is the mark.

By: Anne Muisyo

VISIT TO MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY HOME

Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa) is a Roman Catholic Religious Congregation located in Langata. The home cares for mentally and physically challenged.

On 12^th August, Nipe Sauti Africa team visited the home where the visit as scheduled to start at 8 am to 1 pm. Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by some of the Mother Teresa sisters and little orientation was done before we were assigned various duties

Some of the duties included; washing clothes, cleaning around the home, helping in the preparation of meals and feeding the mentally and physically challenged. The feeding program started at around 11 which is their scheduled time for food.

Later on, there was entertainment which included singing and dancing led by the NSA team. We managed to involve some of them in the entertainment so that they do not feel left out. At around 12.30 pm we had to cut short the show since they had to go and sleep.

The NSA Team converged and presented a cheque of donation to one of the Sisters who received it on behalf of the entire organisation. She was so thankful in the name of the organization as a whole and briefly told us more about the home and other activities they have.

Our Chairman Mandela gave a brief vote of thanks and also introduced some new members. He also reminded us of the next charity event which is to take place on 20^th August at Nuru Day Care in Soweto Kibera.

It was a nice experience spending time at the home. We ended with a word of prayer and everyone left at their own pleasure.

By: Mandela C Sangura

THE POISON IN OUR WATERS

“Allah Akbar! My son, time has healed all the wounds of your heart,” my Imam keeps telling me this. Narrating my experience of Kenya’s 2007 post-election violence is hard. I lost family members, friends, and neighbors. Men were killed, young girls and women were raped, and the old were burnt as the world witnessed in horror. Those whom we trusted to protect us had turned against us. We were alone, but Allah was with us.

My name is Mwalimu Khussein. I was born of a Muslim father and a Christian mother. My mom left when I was two years old, and so I never met her since my childhood. I grew up in Bangladesh slum in Changamwe in Mombasa county. Bangladesh slum has people from different tribes and races in Kenya. We lived in peace with Indians, Arabs, the Swahili, and Watu wa Bara. My childhood friends and I would play on garbage heaps, swim in dirty water and gaze at the sky beyond the Indian Ocean. Sometimes I wondered where that water ended.

Violence erupted during the last week of 2012. The tension was high on 29^th December of 2012 in Changamwe. This was a day before the presidential results were announced. It was 6.30 pm when I left madrassa at Masjid Mosque.  On that particular day, it was announced our area had been sealed off to avoid violence. A curfew was declared in the surrounding areas of Makupa, Mikindani, and Bangladesh. I could not go home. The night became darker and horrifying. There were no lights, no movements, and only gunshots could be heard in the distant air. Since I couldn’t go back home, I headed back to Masjid. Many people had come to take cover at the mosque. Christians, Hindu and Muslims, had been united by one thing; care for humanity.

At 10:00 pm Sheikh Musa broke the bad news. Women had been raped, and Children who had taken refuge in a  church in Msambweni had been burnt and that the slum was on fire. The police who had been deployed to the area, could not get there due to fears of being attacked by unknown assailants. The whole country was fighting, and over 1000 people had been killed. It was Kenyans against Kenyans. Our food at the mosque ran out after five days before I hit the road to find my family. I counted over ten bodies rotting on the streets. My home was nowhere. It was in ashes, and none of my family members or friends could be found.

I am now 20 years old. A community leader and founder member of Nipe Sauti Africa, a community outreach group that promotes cohesion and oneness amongst Kenyans. My main objective in life is to clean the poisoned waters that feed the hearts of Kenyan youth. As a youth leader, part of religious groups that call upon the judiciary to prosecute anyone found to be inciting Kenyans against each other. Leaders who preach hatred are the poison in our waters. I call upon all youths around the world to take a step and show an act kindness to others.

 #PEACE #WE_ARE_ONE #JUSTICE