It’s not every day we hear positive stories about Uni students doing something noble
in and out of campus. But a group of Daystar University students is making a
difference in their community by building and running a primary school through a
student-run Community Based Organization (CBO).
Daystar Uni students registered Lukenya Pillars of Transformation in 2009, making
the CBO the first registered Community Based Organization in Machakos County.
Some students identified the need to have a public primary school in Lukenya, as
most of the schools in the community were private and out of reach for most
residents.
“The school came about after we realized that there was a need. We approached one of
the community members, Mama Mary Mulandi, and she was so generous as to donate two
acres of land. Other community members donated ‘mabati’ and few things here and
there so as we could put up temporary structures,” says Metrine Namalwa, currently
the Executive Director of Lukenya Pillars of Transformation, and also a fourth year
social work student.
The school got its name – Daystar Mulandi School – as a result of the cooperation
between students and Mama Mulandi. Several other partners have since then joined the
cause including Waridi Flower Company -which contributed the one permanent
structure-, AIESEC, Lukenya Getaway, Lukenya Motors, Simba Cement, ADCU among others.
Check out the link below for more of the story:
Wow! Where to start? This semester has been quite an experience for me in terms of film. Just to break it down more, will focus on the stages of production we’ve been through so far.
The development stage was quite a time because team Ameliorates dint were completely rock bottom. We had no story whatsoever; until one of us gave us a story idea that still needed reworking.
I volunteered to be part of the creative developing the story further. I was also to be assistant producer. This was a time of rediscovering myself and what I can do in the film industry, basically a time to get myself acquainted with the film making process and figuring out how this journey would be.
The pre- production stage was next. As assistant producer, I discovered that had to be involved through all stages and especially in making sure that everything ran smoothly. Together with the producer, we ensured that the locations manager had found locations on time. At times we went location scouting.
We consulted with the crew on the budget and what we would contribute as a team. In this stage, casting auditions were also held. We ensured that everything went well during casting.
I helped out in handling the crowd outside the audition room and later was involved in settling conflict with some of the crew members.
Script meeting were constantly held during this stage and was involved in its development initially before we settled on one person writing the final script.
During this stage, I discovered that it is important to finish doing a shooting schedule on time, since almost everyone in the crew and cast need it. The director of photography, director, locations manager and casting director all needed it.The studio technician would also not give us equipment without it, and constantly followed the schedule later in giving us equipment later.
The challenge I faced in coming with a schedule was fixing the dates.I was afraid of fixing dates that wouldn’t be followed. On this one I had to consult our main producer.
The journey has been long and finally we are currently on the production stage J as the assistant producer, I have basically been involved in ensuring that the crew is peaceful and working as a team. I also ensure that when we are shooting, the cast also feels at home and that everything is as it should be.
This may not be noticeable all the time but I do.
When we are shooting off campus, I ensure that we have a gate pass on time and that all runs smoothly. I have also at times helped in storage of equipment when we are shooting in campus. The main work however has been trouble shooting problems on set. Be in terms of handling the cast well, realizing there’s a problem with lighting, sticking to schedules or lifting the spirits of the cast and crew when that camera battery goes dead, or when we are still on set at 1 am. It may not be as visible but I believe I have made a difference being on set, be it in those small waysJ
The journey continues, and even though we are under pressure as time is running out, I am hoping for the best out of this wholesome film experience!
Today, i feel inspired to share this peace that i wrote in a bus from Athi-river to Nairobi....The
journey can be quite something:) Feel free to share your thoughts about the piece.
You are a masterpiece! - By Margaret Muthee
Know you are fine,
For the moon don’t make the stars shine...
Mountains don’t make rivers flow…
Light don’t make a day!
Know you are a masterpiece,
A daisy in his garden of roses…
You are his own!
So when they do menacingly mock, mourn at your being…
Know you are…
A master piece remember?
The value he – owner of the seas
Attaches to you is what matters
So when your patience they do try,
Do not sit down and cry!
Know you are…
You-are-above that!
You are an eagle that so high can fly,
Above the dark and clear blue sky,
So spread your wings…
New life begins.
When you realize-you are…
You are a prince….son- daughter of a king!
Walk, talk, like one you represent…..
