Q & A Profile Feature

DISABILITY IS NOT INABILITY-Isaya’s story

By Louis Chikanya

Isaya is a Bachelor degree student from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT). He has despised all odds and made up his mind to pursue university education while living with a critical level of disability. Both his legs are paralyzed and he needs support to walk. I was keen to know how he has managed to reach this level of education.

Briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Isaya Masirori, a student of Mass Communication at SAUT. I am from Luanda Kigunga village, Rorya District in Mara Region. Our family is more than a football team; I come from a family of 13 children and I am the Benjamin (last) in the family.Unfortunately, five other children have passed on. Now we are eight of whom four are disabled and the other four are okay.

I did my primary education at Luanda Kiseru from 2003 to 2009 and Ordinary level at Rorya from 2010 to 2013 and Advanced level at Tarime High School from 2014 to 2016.

Economically our family is very poor. Of all the children in the family, I am the first and perhaps I will be the last to reach this level of education. The rest failed to reach this level of education because of disabilities and others failed because of poverty. Our father could not afford to send anybody to school. Now our parents are very old; my father is 75 and my mother is 65.

Were you born like this? What is the story behind your condition?

I was born physically perfect, but when I was six, my legs became paralyzed. All of us who are disabled in the family were born perfectly, physically well; disabilities came later in life.

What things do you think the university and the society as a whole should change to accommodate people of your condition?

Yes, I think the university has to do something in terms of structures. The structural system of this university is not favorable for people with disability like me.  Some of the classes for example, have no disability friendly features. In my case I struggle to go up Mwanjonde to attend lessons. Again in the library books are available starting from the second floor, so I have problems going to read in the library. Furthermore, newspaper postmortem sessions take place in the last floor of the library which is at the very top, so I don’t participate in the postmortem sessions. But I don’t know what the university authorities can do to change the structures. In some places structures like our university buildings here are fixed with lifters for people like us to easily and comfortably move from one point to another.

There is also an issue of the way the toilets have been made. The system did not consider our conditions. One can easily fall over the toilet and get hurt.

There are also many disabled people out there who need support. I urge people of good will to come out to support the disabled struggling with life in the villages.

However, I am grateful to the administration for allowing me to use the room even before I paid anything. They have understood me and told me to pay when I am ready with the money.

You are studying Mass Communication, what area in media are so compassionate with?

When I graduate I would like to work for electronic media of radio and television. I want to work with radio and television broadcasting. That is why now I am practicing much in radio and television broadcasting.

What word do you have for people with similar condition as yours, who feel they cannot do what other normal people are doing?

Indeed people with disabilities do think they cannot do what normal people can do. But they should change their mentality. There is a saying that disability is not inability. People with disabilities should look forward and not just stay idle; they should keep themselves busy. For example, my brother who is also disabled does radio repair work. He is very good in repairing radios. Some can develop skills in computer repair, shoe repair and many more other skills. Usually these types of work do not require one to move here and there. For example, shoe repairing work does not require one to be moving, you do your work while sitting.

People with disability should forget their problems and start thinking of doing something to keep themselves busy. They should live just like evrybody else, taking interest in social activities like watching games. I personally like watching soccer matches and I am a supporter of Yanga Football Club on the domestic level and on international level I support Chelsea Football Club in the English Premier League.

Isaya Masirori posing in front of the Administration block at SAUT (PHOTO: courtesy of Isaya’s album).

Q & A Profile Feature

BUILD YOUR FUTURE WITH YOUR MIND

By YELA MASANJA

Life without ambition is like an ocean without water that waits for rain to prove its name. Ambition of a person and how the person struggles to get in that ambition for the best future is determined by one’s ability to use his or her common sense, brain and knowledge plus experience.   JAMES MILLINGA is a SAUT student who has inspired many through his self-built organization called Millinga Multimedia.  

How did you start an organization concerning communication yet you are pursuing Engineering?

 I was interested in communication technology this is what has inspired me to start the organisation.

 When did you start exactly, before or after coming to University, Why?

It was in 2015 after joining the University because I was more exposed with equipment’s like camera, laptops and people dealing with communication Technology.

How do you identify your customers?

Those in need of my service and products are identified as my customers.

How do you use the money you earn from your organization?

I use the money I earn for sustaining life i.e. on food and stationery.

What is your advice to people especially students who fear to do what you have done?

To be is to do, one should be focused and here I mean on everything or anything they wish to do and hence anything one desires will come true.

No one in this world is born rich, knowledgeable, intelligent or superior to the other, it is up to the person to be so, since there is no sweet without sweat. Instead of blaming the government people should try their level best and the door of success will be open to them to enter, otherwise regret, laments and blames will  turn into our daily meal.

Q & A Profile Feature

THE BOOK EXPERT- SR. MAGDALENA   MBIGI

By MWALUGALA   MARTHA  

Sr. Magdalena studied at RUAHA in Iringa. She   started  to  work   as  a Librarian  in 2013  at  Saint  Augustine  University  of  Tanzania and she has so far seen a lot.

What was your first job?

My first job was right here as a Librarian at SAUT, I have so far been here for more than 3 years.

What influenced you to become a librarian?

I was influenced to become a librarian  because the surroundings  remind me  to study  because I am  surrounded  with books  from every  corner and  I love guiding students as they search for books in the library.

What challenges do you face in your job?

The greatest  challenge I face is  the lack of enough books which  cause  the  students  to be  discouraged  when  they  come  to study. The lack of funds results into us failing to purchase more books for the students.

Also due to selfishness students change the location of the books and some hide them from their colleagues.

How do you handle these challenges?

Every day I make sure the books are rearranged and returned to their rightful place in the shelves.

What is your plan for the future?

I plan to make improvements about the materials in the Library so that they are available for the students. We are planning to have a printing and photocopying place in order to facilitate the availability of books from the library.

Q & A Profile Feature

THE OTHER SIDE OF ST.AUGUSTINE UNIVERSITY

SHAMAWELE ANITHA Z  

St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) is a well reputable institution not only here in Tanzania but also in Africa. It provides education to many students and it has seen many scholars come out of it.

SAUT was once an agricultural institution. Apart from providing academics behind the scenes agriculture practice especially animal keeping was carried out at SAUT.

I caught up with Mr. Jailus Kahango who gave me the facts and insight on how things are conducted in terms of keeping livestock.

Why livestock at SAUT?

   This project is for the development of the University once it grows it will help the institution depend on itself financially instead of relying on the major sources of income.

Is the project beneficial?

   Yes, it is beneficial because we are getting what we are expecting through our animals and the production is good. The end result is satisfactory.

What are the challenges facing this project?

   Infrastructure is a problem, we need a very good cow-shed more than the one available which causes sickness to the livestock during bad weather.

Do you have your own veterinary for the livestock's treatment?

  No, in case of treatment we call a veterinary from the government to help us with veterinary medicine.

Could the society support this project by buying milk from SAUT?

   Yes, they do but some people with bills of milk do not pay on time or even at all which gives us a loss. But generally, the project at SAUT is beneficial to SAUT and the neighboring community.

Q & A Profile Feature

Chicken Soup pays my fees

By Maziku Motto

The English language has proverbs to encourage people to do something in their life, but there is a say that goes “time and ride wait for none” this means that, if we are waiting for something without any action that thing will not happen to us.

David Tresfol, a Diploma in Journalism student at Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) has decided to start an action by starting a chicken soup business at main campus where he sales:- eggs, fruits and poultry meat because he doesn’t want to wait for time.  

Who gave you the business idea?

The idea came automatically. I had to think of a way of surviving since I am from a less privileged family that can hardly afford my fees and accommodation and I am not a loan beneficiary so I had no choice but to try the idea.

How much capital did you start with?

Well, I started with 500,000Tsh and from this capital only 100,000Tsh was spent to buy chicken and other needs while 400,000Tsh was spent on utensils and chairs.

Where did you get the capital from while you came from a poor family that can`t afford your education as you said before?

My dad gave me 250,000Tsh only as my school fee, so I decide to borrow some money from different people. The first person gave me 200,000Tsh; another gave me 350,000Tsh, of which only 500,000Tsh was spent as capital and the rest was directed to fees though a lot of money is still needed.

How do you manage your studies and the business all together?

I thank God; currently I have two workers who help me especially during class hours. They cook and supply food to those students who are living and taking their studies at main campus.

Your advice to those waiting for government employment?

I would like to advise those who are loans beneficiaries to use their money properly by investing because when we finish our studies they will have nowhere to earn any, so by investing now it will help them to acquire their needs today and after graduating.

Q & A Profile Feature

CREATIVITY IN RUNNING BUSSINESS AT NYAMALANGO

By Naomi William  

Business is among the things which give people the income for running their daily life. Gabriel Francis who is famously known as “VUVUZELA” is a businessman at Nyamalango and Malimbe area engaging in selling Chips.

Many students like the service he offers, because the product is in good quality. Students appreciate the service provided by Vuvuzela compared to other places where Chips is served. He also acknowledges other Chips sellers are trying to copy what he is providing but they failed to do so.

What kind of spices do you use when preparing Chicken which makes them exceptional?

During preliminary preparation of the chicken I use various spices like ginger, garlic, masala and tumeric. Also the package used is more attractive compared to others because I always use foil paper and I also change the oil which was used in frying the potatoes the previous day in order for the product to look good.

 How do you prepare your vegetable salad which attracts customers?

First, I have three types of pickle which are cooked salad, tomato itself and the attractive shapes of cucumber which are cut into different styles and shapes. Also there are carrots, onions and bell peppers which are mixed to make flavor.  

Which challenges do you face in your business regardless the large number of customers you have?

Some customers complain due to the delaying of the service offered due to the large number of customers. Also others shift from my business and this is due to the overcrowded of customer. But the greatest challenge is when the students are on holiday the business stops because my major customers are students.

How much do you earn per day?

The income differs from that of Nyamalango and Malimbe. For Nyamalango during lecture days I get three hundred thousand Tanzania shillings (Tsh 300,000) and for Malimbe I get four hundred thousand and fifty thousand Tanzania shillings (Tsh450,000) per day. But during holiday in both places of Nyamalango and Malimbe I get the sum of one hundred thousand only (Tsh 100,000).

What is your advice to anyone wanting to venture in the business of selling Chips?

For anyone who wants to join this business, they should incorporate their individual creativity and do not copy what others are already doing. They should be genuine so that they can grab the attention of the customers.

Q & A Profile Feature

LEADERSHIP STARTS A LONG WAY

By Isaac Mwakitwile

Being a leader is not an issue of being chosen but it sometimes considers the background and life history of a person. Most of the great leaders in the world started their journey from a young age as Ahimidiwe who also dreams of leading the world.

Who is Ahimidiwe Malaki?

Currently I am a student and Minister of Home Affair and Defense in the Student government at St. Augustine University of Tanzania. I am a third year student taking Bachelor of Arts in Education with Economics. I was born on 12 October 1993 in a family of four children of two boys and two girls and am a second born. I come from Meru, Arusha and am Meru byTribe.

What is your educational background with relation of leadership?

I have been a leader since 2000 at Mlala primary school where I attended for my primary education from standard one to seven. But on 2005 when I was in standard five I was an Academic prefect. I went to Songoro secondary school for ordinary education level and I have been academic prefect again from 2008 to 2011. After completing my ordinary education, I went to Lyamongo high school at Moshi , there I was a leader also, as a store keeper from 2012 to 2014. I also went to military training at Burombora 821 JKT for three months and there I was a leader. After all I came here at St. Augustine University of Tanzania Mwanza Malimbe campus for pursuing my Bachelor of Arts in Education with Economics since 2015 as first year and now 2017 third year. I have been appointed by the Student Organization President to be a deputy minister of Defense but after three months I performed well and he decided to appoint me as a Minister of Home Affair and Defense in Student government at St. Augustine University of Tanzania Student Organization (SAUTSO) till now. Unfortunately I have been awarded as a Best leader in of the year 2016/2017 in SAUTSO.

Where do you get support from, in your leadership career?

My father and uncle are my greatest support. I think they support me because my father was a leader at the local government level, so he used to advice me to be a good leader.

Who is your role model in Tanzania?

I am trying to pass through ways of the first Prime Minister and President of Tanzania Mwl. J.K Nyerere, and I usually use his speech to learn how a good leader should be. I hate corruption like Nyerere, so I think he is the only leader I admire.

What are your aspirations?

I wish to be a good leader in my country not a politician, so i wish to advice my country to have advancements in economic sectors. I started to do some of things that will grade me at the future as a good leader because I believe my future will be built with my past history and the past will be the issues I do now. I believe one day I will reach my destiny.

Photo: Ahimidiwe Malaki Minister of Home Affair and Defense SAUTSO.

Training ends with an Earthquake

So its the last day of training and we spent the morning researching for information for our assignment topics that we published by lunch break.
The training was wonderful and it did meet my expectations. I liked everything since most appeared new to me especially concerning blogging and better ways of searching for information on the internet.

The research assignments were challenging i believe simply because we do little writing practice from day to day as lecturers and we had been taught new ways of searching for information and we were not sure how exactly to go about the exercise.

Again we were all cautious of how our final piece will end up. We learnt that working with a deadline sure is tricky and majority swore not to give assignments ever again in their classes.
I have learnt a lot that i am going to share with my students for them to be good journalists.

After lunch an earth quake shook the place and some of us ran down stairs. Those who remained including myself were busy looking outside the windows and feeling the shake. The made fun of one of us who ran downstairs and left his wife behind!

I also received a certificate of participation-my first l should say!

Saving the Nile Perch

The Nile perch scientifically known as the Lates niloticus is a species of the fresh water fish which is widespread throughout much of the Afrotropic ecozone.
The species is native to the Congo, Nile, Senegal, Niger and in Lakes Chad, Volta, Turkana and other river basins.

It is commonly known as African snook or Victoria perch which happens to be a misleading trade name since the species is not native to Lake Victoria. We know it as Sangara in Tanzania.
The Nile Perch can grow 2 meters in length and weigh up to 200 kg but most of them are caught before they can grow this big-the reason experts say they are at risk of being extinct alongside many other species in the lake.

A research by Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) by the beginning of 2008, stated that there was an estimated 300,000 tones of Nile Perch, but in mid August 2010 the stock had dwindled dramatically by 50 percent.
The country owns 51 percent of the lake and has therefore been the leading exporter of the Nile perch fillets to the EU market for the past eight years.

The UN Foods and Agricultural Organisation once issued a strong warning of the industry collapsing if stern measures were not taken to tame the looming crisis.
There should be efforts to allow fish to breed by suspending fishing activities for a few months or introduce seasonal fishing which may appear difficult for fishing communities along the lake since majority depend on fishing activities for survival.

The reason for the decrease of fish in the lake has been cited by some fishermen as a result of illegal activities such as illegal fishing gears such as dynamite and poisons and over-fishing.
The construction of fish processing industries along the lake helped provide employment but have turned into a curse since fish are fished daily thus contributing to diminishing the stock of fish in the lake. This therefore leads to lack of employment to both individuals and industries.

In the process of saving the Nile Perch and many other species in Lake Victoria, communities can be introduced to fish farming to allow more breeding areas rather than simply depending on the lake for fish.

This will help reduce pollution in the lake and give it more space to revive its environment and breed more species.

Training Day 2

Yesterday was great as well! We discussed how to search information on the internet. We learnt that in many cases we type so many details in the search engine while a simple word can get you to the same details and give you more information. This means that at times we direct ourselves to the wrong information by typing so many words which are unnecessary. Funny was that the fastest results were from Wikipedia, yet we labeled it as not trustworthy. Fact is one needs to go to the links to get to the original source-that makes it trustworthy!

I learnt that most of our students are prone to plagiarism simply because they do not go further than the links they come across in the texts that they copy and paste from the sites they find. Majority of whom i believe have no knowledge on how to go about the links.

Minor details like choosing the right search words, opening pages in new tabs, trying different google search options, going to original sources by following links, are things most of us never took seriously but have learnt to be of importance.

The greatest part was learning how to make links in our own texts in the blogs. I never knew it was as simple as highlighting, copying and pasting the original link and clicking 'ok' that turns a word into a highlighted word!