Daystar University hosts Young Communicators Workshop

NOVEMBER 2015 / ISSUE 36

THE DAYSTAR UN IVERS I TY WEEK LY

Mr. Justin Green , Managing Director, Wide Awake Communications Ltd, making a presentation during the Young communicators Workshop.

Daystar University played host to the Young Communicator’s workshop which took place at Nairobi Campus on 16th November 2015. The Young Communicator’s workshop was part of the World Conference on Public Relations in Emerging Economies (WCPREE) that was held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) from 15th to 18th November 2015.

The conference was organized by the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) in conjunction with the Global Alliance for Public Relations & Communication Management. The Young Communicators workshop was attended by students from various universities across Kenya, including Daystar University, St Paul’s University, University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University,

Karatina University, Rongo University, Technical University of Kenya, Masinde Muliro University, Moi University and Riara University. The main conference however, took place on 17th to 18th November at the KICC.

The Dean School of Communication Language and Performing Arts, Prof. Levi Obonyo welcomed the participants to Daystar University. He thanked the organizers for choosing to hold the Young Communicators Workshop at Daystar University.

At the KICC, the opening ceremony took place on 17th November and was graced by the Cabinet Secretary of Information, Communication and Technology, Dr.Fred Matiang’i on behalf of the Deputy President, His Excellency Mr. William Ruto.

Intervarsity Public Speaking Contest held

Public Speaking

Topic

“Social Media and

Higher Education”

Daystar University held the Inter-varsity Public Speaking Contest Campus Edition at the Daystar Academic Centre (DAC), Nairobi campus on Wednesday November 18, 2015. The contest themed social media and higher education was adjudicated by Mr. Ian Mbugua, Mr. Robert Burale and Ms. Nelly Nthigah.

The event was organized by the School of Communication, Language and Performing Arts and was graced by the Dean, Prof. Levi Obonyo, and HoD Language and Performing Arts,

Dr. Wandia Njoya. It attracted fifteen contestants from Daystar University, Multimedia University and United States International University (USIU).

Fridah Mwaka, a communication student emerged top followed by Wanda Mwadchizema, Cynthia Makena and Angela Waithera, all from Daystar University. Ms. Mwaka‘s speech titled, “social media in a bigger scene.” emphasized on the use of social media in a positive manner to impact the society. “Let’s blend our academics, develop agenda and

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The discussions hedged on Communicators & Communication Schools Roundtable forums, Young Communication Scholars Workshop, Sector-based Master Classes and a two day exhibition running concurrently with the main conference, consisting of keynote speakers, plenary and breakout sessions. The conference addressed issues facing today’s ever changing environment in which Public Relations professionals operate. It put together the global thinking caps for local impact on matters that not only affect professionals, clients and stakeholders but also matters that have equal effect on the communities around the world.

The conference brought together speakers and participants from over 26 nations across the world. Our own, Dean of School of Communication Language and Performing Arts, Prof. Levi Obonyo presented a paper on the role of media as a partner in sustainable development. Also present from Daystar University were faculty member, staff from Corporate

Affairs department and a good number of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The week full of activities culminated with a gala night and dinner at the Nairobi National Park, sponsored by the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology. Different companies drawn from business enterprises, associations, private and government bodies as well as students pursuing PR and related studies were awarded in different categories such as Sponsorship Campaign of the Year, New Media PR Campaign of the Year and Public Sector Campaign of the Year amongst others.

This was the first ever World Public Relations conference in Emerging Economies to be held in Africa. The African Public Relations Association conference, themed ‘Leapfrogging Africa: the Role of Communication’ will be held next year, in Calabar, Nigeria.

Dr. Wandia, HoD Language and Performing Arts takes a photo with the judges and the contestants

Daystar University Worship Team (DUWOT) Launched

The official launch and dedication of the Daystar University Worship Team (DUWOT) took place on Tuesday November 17, 2015 during the Day Chapel at the Nairobi Campus. The launch was organized by the Chaplaincy.

Dr. James Karau, Dean Community Life gave the key note message. In his address and charge to DUWOT, he appreciated the team members for qualifying for the task and for the great work they were already doing. Quoting John 4:24; God is Spirit and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and truth,

Dr. Karau encouraged the team to sing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in order to fulfill the Great Commission. He further advised them to emulate the character of Christ and His commitment. “You can sing to entertain people but unless you connect with their spirit, you haven’t yet ministered to them spiritually,” he said. He called on the members to submit to the authority of the Worship Pastor and follow his instructions.

The members were presented for dedication by the Worship Pastor, Pst. Bruno Musumba. The dedication and commissioning

spiritual growth as we continue to enjoy Whatsapp, Twitter and Facebook,” she said. It shouldn’t be a platform for threat, abuse or posting vulgar content as, has been the norm,” she said.

The judges were in agreement that the event was a success. They all noted that compared to last year’s, the contest marked a great improvement. However, they were not hesitant to poke holes on the participants saying that despite the contestant putting up a good show, they still needed to improve their public speaking skills. “As communication students you need to stand out; your body posture, eye contact and movements are very key in your presentation,” said Judge Ian Mbugua.

The contestants were further advised to be disciplined; by observing time and dress code as they present. They were also advised to do thorough research of the topics, have mastery of language and organize presentation that has flow of ideas. On his part, Mr. Burale encouraged the participants saying that everyone suffers from stage freight; however he told them not to let it be noticed by the audience as this can draw the attention away for the speech.

The main sponsors for the event were Daystar University, DHL Express, Wezesha Dada Foundation, Koola Waters and Half the Sky Movement.

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Members of DUWOT sing their hearts out during the launch

Martha Awino, a 4th year communication student, won the Public Relations Society of Kenya Young Communicator of the year award at a gala dinner hosted at the Nairobi National Park on November 18, 2015. She was nominated in this category for her well-planned ‘Tuko Nawe’ campaign.

She launched the campaign in honour of World Breast Cancer Awareness month, an annual awareness campaign to help educate men about breast cancer support. It focused on men supporting women affected by breast cancer and who often serve as a source of strength to the Kenyan community.

An elated Martha received the award later in the week on November 20, 2015, as she was announced winner in absentia

The ‘Tuko Nawe’ Campaign Official Logo

at the gala dinner. She continues to support #tukoNawe because women represent the heart of the home as well as Africa. “I care about the health and well-being of women and their families and this campaign aims to educate and encourage the men to support women affected by the disease through funding for the prosthesis,’’ she told Infospot.

Martha was a former PR Manager and Station Manager at 103.1 Shine FM.

Infospot proudly congratulates Martha Otieno Awino on her initiative and on winning the PRSK award.

Daystar’s Martha Awino wins PRSK Young Communicator of the Year Award

Above: Martha Awino proudly displays her Award

was done by Rev. Patrick Musembi, HoD Peace and Conflict Transformation, while the declaration of assent was presided over by the University Chaplain, Rev. Steven Nduto.

According to Pst. Bruno, DUWOT was formed to be the official worship team to lead worship in Nairobi Campus during the Tuesday and Friday Chapels, and any other university function. The 30 member-choir comprises of Daystar University students. The team has been undergoing worship training under

the supervision of Pst. Bruno.

Speaking to Infospot, Pastor Bruno revealed that plans are under way to also launch the Nairobi staff choir early in December. “In the near future such initiatives may be extended to Athi River Campus,” he said.

In attendance were the Vice-chancellor Dr. Timothy Wachira, Faculty, Staff and Students.

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Signature Journal holds the fourth edition of the Grand talk

The Signature journal held its fourth edition of the Grand Talk at Daystar University, Athi River Campus on Thursday 12tt November 2015.

The key note speaker was Mr. Joseph Magembe, Director, Parker Randall Eastern Africa; an Audit, Tax and Financial Management Consultation firm. The event was attended by Student Presidents; Mr. Papa Ragot and Mr. Jomo Eric from Technical University of Kenya and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) respectively. The show was conducted through a well moderated panel discussion by Mr. Brian Oyaro, Daystar University Student Association, President, Athi River Campus.

The team had been invited to enlighten the audience on their journey to becoming Presidents in Public Universities, their achievements so far, their mentors and their take on corruption and integrity in Kenya.

Mr. Joseph Magembe spoke on corruption in Kenya, stating that it is as bad as it is reported. “Many corrupt officials take advantage of their positions against the public” he said.

Regarding his profession, he advised that if any auditor gets to a point where he feel that his independence is being compromised, then the best option is to walk away.

About auditing he advised, “you must have passion for numbers for you to get into auditing,” He further added that integrity and independence is the most important virtue for anyone to work in an audit team.

Mr. Papa Ragot who has been in leadership since the first year of his study, became the Student President of Technical University of Kenya 2014/2015. He mentioned that his greatest achievement was taking a bill to parliament, to contest an amendment, to bar technical engineers with certificate and diploma from being registered.

Mr. Joseph Magembe, Director Parker Randall, Eastern Africa in an interview with the Grand Talk host Brian Oyaro during his recent vist to Daystar University, Athi River

Mr. Jomo Eric the student president at JKUAT said his greatest achievement was to lead the first student body that allocates a percentage of their budget to student scholarships. He sees himself as a leader but not a politician, and his inspiration is mainly from leaders. He blames individuals for corruption and malpractices being experienced in the country. He firmly believes that change should begin from the top to bottom. “Anyone involved in corruption should be prosecuted despite the position they hold,” he said.

The Signature Journal is a publication; video blog and talk show that seeks to provide a platform to influence the society in making better choices. It is an initiative of Daystar University students that aims to influence the choices made by Daystar University students, and a brain child of John Brian Oyaro, Daystar University student Association (DUSA) President Athi River Campus.

Also present at the event was HoD Communication, Faculty members, students, and staff members.

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New books on Politics, Diplomacy and International Conflicts

Small-State mediation in International conflicts: Diplomacy and negotiation in Israel-Palestine (2015) by Jacob Eriksson

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most prolonged, contentious and divisive in the modern era. But, despite the volatile nature of the conflict, which frequently flares up in armed confrontations between the two, there have been advancements towards a settlement through an admittedly protracted peace process. In this book, Jacob Eriksson argues that the impact of small states, such as Sweden or Norway, should not be ignored when it comes to the ongoing efforts to negotiate between Israel and Palestine. Although small states lack coercive power, the talks they have sponsored in this particular instance (such as the Norwegian-mediated Oslo Accords) have transformed both the conflict and the conceptions of a solution to it.

Nationalism and the Politics of Fear in Israel: Peace and Identity on the Border with Lebanon by C. F. MoeKiryat Shmona, located on the Israeli-Lebanese border, often makes the news whenever there is an outbreak of violence between the two countries. Israel’s northernmost city, its residents are mostly Mizrahi descent, that is, Jews from Arab and Muslim lands. The author uses the dynamics at play along this border to develop wider conclusions about the nature of nationalism, identity, ethnicity and xenophobia in Israel, and the ways in which these shift over time and are manipulated in different ways for various ends. She explores the idea of being on the ‘periphery’ of nationhood: examining the identity-forming and negotiating processes of these Mizrahim who do not neatly dove-tail with the predominantly Ashkenazi concept of what it means to be ‘Israeli’.

Mission Accomplished? : The Crisis of International intervention (2015) by Simon JenkinsFrom Vietnam to Syria, politicians, commentators and journalists have argued both for and against intervention, whether military or humanitarian. Simon Jenkins here presents a provocative and wide-ranging survey of the history of�and the arguments surrounding�intervention in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria. Do nations intervene because of right and wrong? Is Western intervention simply a form of ‘imperialism-lite’? When is intervention justified? Jenkins traces the evolution of ‘liberal interventionism’ and shows that skepticism towards it came and comes not just from a growing perception of its failure. Instead, he argues that the past few decades can be characterized as an age of intervention, displaying worrying signs of merely laundering old-fashioned western imperialism and bordering at times on a crusader complex.

Peacekeeping in Africa: The evolving security architecture (2014)Edited by Marco Wyss

Recent events in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mali remind us that violence remains endemic and continues to hamper the institutional, social and economic development of the African continent. . The United Nations (UN) has been joined by regional organizations, most prominently the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU), and by sub-regional organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Meanwhile, traditional and emerging powers have regained an interest in Africa and, as a consequence, in peacekeeping. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the trends and challenges of international peacekeeping in Africa, with a focus on the recent expansion of actors and missions.

BereavementMary Amisi Ncube, MA Child Development student lost her mother, Grace Alivisza on 9th November 2015. Burial will take place on Saturday 21st November 2015 at Mambai Village, Vihiga County.

Nancy Sanga, BA Communication student in Nairobi Campus, lost her mother Salina Sanga on Saturday 14th November 2015. The burial is scheduled to take place on 24th November 2015 at Moi’s Bridge.

Quick Recovery

Chrispus Makau 2nd year BSE student, based in Athi-River Campus was hospitalized from 31st October to 11th November after sustaining gunshots from unknown assailant. He is recovering under home care. Please remember Chrispus in your prayers for quick recovery.

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Weekly Inspiration

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”

— Robert Louis Stevenson —

Chapel Diary

SEMESTER THEME: “SHINING IN THE DARK “

.. Until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts,” 2 Pet. 1:19

Athi River Campus

Date: 24 November 2015Talents Chapel by DCF and Ukarimu Ministries

Date: 26 November 2015 Bible Study

Sunday Service

Date: 29 November 2015Speaker: Dr. James KarauTopic: Confidence in Christ ( 1 John 2:28 )

Nairobi Campus

Date: 24 November 2015Drama chapel by DCF

Date: 26 November 2015 Bible Study

Evening Service

Date: 27 November 2015 Rev. Steven Nduto