INTRA-CUEA NEWS - EMANUELE CHIRCO · one of the solutions is to empower Africans with the right kind of skills, values and personal traits. These, she said, would prepare Africans

“Consecrate Them in the Truth”

No. 40-42 July - September 2009

Inside

Published by CUEA PressThe Catholic University of Eastern Africa P.O. Box 62157, 00200 Nairobi - Kenya

CUEA Hosts Successful International Conference on Peace, Justice and Reconciliation ........................................

Dean of Students Office’s Implements Rigorous Orientation for New Students ....

CUEA Student Wins Miss University Kenya Beauty Pageant ..........

CUEA Marketing Team Mounts Aggressive Campaigns in Western, Central and Nairobi Provinces ..............................................

Vice-Chancellor Participates in Common-wealth Education Conference in Malaysia .........................

CUEA at 25 ............................................

CUEA Wins over KShs 1.17m Awards in Zain Africa Challenge ...................................

College of Holy Cross Students and Professor Visit CUEA ........................

Dean of Theology Celebrates Priestly Silver Jubilee! ................................................

Feature: Pastoral Ministry on Campus ....

Chaplaincy Releases Trimester Schedule of Thursday Holy Mass ..............................

CUEA Hosts Arts Group...........................

Editor’s NoteEditorSewe K’Ahenda

Graphics Designer Norberto Ashiona

PrinterDennis Muthengi

News TeamBernard Lusuli (PR Officer)

Ammanuel Shakir (Ass. PR Officer)

DistributionMuturi Gertrude

The Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Maviiri, has called on mem-bers of the CUEA community to

live as a family of God whose common purpose is to build a new humanism founded on the virtues of love and truth. He said this during the Academic Con-vocation on August 17, 2009. VC praises students for all-round excellence

Prof. Maviiri noted the co-cur-ricula exploits of CUEA students

over the last academic year. He cited sports, drama and beauty pageants as areas in which students excelled. In particular, he congratulated the stu-dents who represented the University in the Zain Africa Challenge and the International Moot Court competition in France. In addition, the VC thanked students for participating effectively in community service activities. He urged them to take advantage of CUEA’s cultural mix to engage in fruitful dialogue.

VICE-CHANCELLOR: Let’s Live as a Family of God, bound by a Common Purpose of building a New Humanism anchored on Love and Truth

Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Maviiri, addresses the University Com-munity during the Convocation

W hat does it take to serve an organisation faithfully for 25 years? We put this

question to Peter Adhoch who has worked in the Library since 1984. His answer is very revealing: “What has kept me in CUEA is my faith and the exemplary leadership of the first librarians; not the salary. My motto is ‘I came to serve, not to be served.’”

Faith. Service. Exemplary leader-ship. These are enduring values in a world that is changing too fast, often with harmful consequences. It is easy to focus on the self and direct all our efforts at maximising personal benefit

and comfort.But it’s reassuring to know that

there are people among us still driven by selflessness; to whom service ranks above money. It’s not that they do not love themselves. Rather, they recognise what really counts in the long term.

As we celebrate the Silver Jubilee, the onus on each of us is to reassess our motivations and adjust accord-ingly. It will be wonderful if, when CUEA marks its 50th year in 2034, some of us will proudly declare that our service to the institution is/was driven by such values as faith, service and exemplary leadership.

INTRA-CUEA NEWS

cont. pg 2

2 CUEA Silver Jubilee: “Celebrating 25 years of Dedicated Service to Church and Society” (1984-2009)

Commitment to quality assurance

The VC informed the University community that he had attended sev-eral international conferences whose focus was quality assurance in all aspects of higher education. “He is committed to a regime of quality as-surance systems in the management and delivery of higher education,” he said. Prof. Maviiri said the goal of this regime is to establish institutional capacity that ensures highly qualified and committed staff, relevant cur-ricula, high calibre student popula-tion, quality learning facilities, auto-mated integrated information system, competitive and relevant research agenda and quality publications. He said CUEA’s is keen on developing strategies and policies on ICT that transform learning, teaching, research and community service.

New campuses and academic programmes

The VC noted that the establish-ment of new campuses in Eldoret and Kisumu are part of CUEA’s efforts to diversify its programmes and ensure cost-effectiveness. Prof. Maviiri an-nounced the formation of the School of Professional and Continuing Education which offers professional courses such as CPA, CPS, CISA, and CICT.

He reported that the University Council has approved six new courses in various disciplines. A further five courses have been presented to the Commission for Higher Education for approval. “Our goal is to inten-sify development of postgraduate

programmes across all faculties to strengthen the region’s research capacity,” Prof. Maviiri said. He thanked the staff who developed the new programmes.

Growing emphasis on academic linkages

Prof. Maviiri highlighted some opportunities for exchange pro-grammes and urged staff to exploit the same. He said participation in these initiatives is strategic in positioning CUEA on the global stage and rais-ing its visibility and contribution to knowledge creation.

Good progress on research and scholarship

The VC noted that staff had made good progress in research projects. He recognised three members of faculty who won significant research projects. They are Prof. Samuel Nyanjoga, Prof. Jane Onsongo and Dr. Genevieve Mwayuli.

Prof. Maviiri emphasised col-laborative interdisciplinary research, saying that individual projects stand little chance of attracting funding. He called for regular seminars by facul-ties to discuss research strategies and share knowledge.

Community service While highlighting community

service as one of the pillars of the Catholic University, the VC appreci-ated the efforts of both staff and stu-dents in this area. He singled out the Faculty of Commerce and the Centre for Social Justice and Ethics who

partnered to offer a yearlong training course for women entrepreneurs from Mathare slums.

The VC thanked the University community for contributing food and clothing for famine stricken residents of Machakos. “Indeed you proved to be your ‘brother’s keeper’”, he said. Prof. Maviiri said community service should take a central place in all Uni-versity activities.

CUEA Silver JubileeProf. Maviiri noted that CUEA’s

Silver Jubilee celebrations – launched in February this year and scheduled to climax next February – coincide with the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops on the theme The Church in Africa in Service to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace. The VC said CUEA has organised several important confer-ences that address the Synod theme.

He announced that a survey to measure the impact CUEA has made on the region is underway. Initial results show that the University has made an important contribution in transforming people’s lives. “This serves as a confirmation that CUEA is faithful to her mission,” Prof. Maviiri said.

He lauded the efforts of the Alum-ni Relations Office in coordinating the affairs of the CUEA Alumni Associa-tion. He cited the establishment of the Malawi chapter of the association as a sign of progress and said the goal is to establish a chapter in all the AMECEA countries. The VC urged staff and students to be ambassadors of the Alumni Association.

CUEA Hosts Successful ACUHIAM International Conference on Peace, Justice and Reconciliation

The Catholic University hosted a hugely successful international conference of the Association

of Catholic Universities and Higher Institutes of Africa and Madagascar (ACUHIAM). The conference, whose theme was “Catholic Universities in Africa for Peace and Reconciliation: Searching for Root Causes and Solu-tions to Violence and Conflicts,” ran from 30th June to 2nd July 2009 at the main campus in Langata.

The Conference aimed at generat-

ing studies and analyses which con-tribute to the formulation of proactive policies responding to the challenges of violence and conflict in Africa. It also aimed at enhancing the visibility of Catholic Universities and Higher Institutes in Africa at global forums on issues of justice, reconciliation and peace in Africa. Furthermore, the caucus strived to make Universities and Higher Institutes in Africa active agents in preparation for the Second Special Assembly of the Synod of

Bishops on Africa to be held in Oc-tober 2009, to impact on the affairs of Church and society on matters of justice, reconciliation and peace.

“The objective of the conference was to look at the root causes and solutions to conflicts in Africa. It focused on how Catholic Institutions could promote peace and security in Africa through education, train-ing and research,” said Rev. Dr. Peter Gichure, head of ACUHIAM Secretariat and CUEA’s Academic

cont. from pg 1

3CUEA Silver Jubilee: “Celebrating 25 years of Dedicated Service to Church and Society” (1984-2009)

Linkages Coordinator.Dr. Gichure explained that the

conference should facilitate a peace-ful and mutual benefit co-existence of communities amidst war-torn socie-ties in the continent. “This is a call to develop new vision on the future of Africa where people will experience peace and stability, development, integration, common ideals, values and interests. In the 21st century Africa must experience peace,” he stressed.

In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Rev. Prof John Maviiri, said the conference aimed to promote candid discussions on the root causes of violence and conflicts and propose solutions. “We, the Catholic Univer-

make a difference in forging a new humanism of the culture of justice and peace. “Africa of twenty-first century must achieve peace,” said Prof. Maviiri.

UN Habitat Director laments billions spent on African peacekeeping…

The Guest Speaker at the confer-ence was the Under Secretary Gen-eral and Executive Director of UN HABITAT Prof. Anna Tibaijuka. She said that the ultimate goals of the con-ference (peace and justice) were dear and near her heart for many reasons. “Africa continues to make headlines

operations in the world, eight of them in Africa involving 110,000 personnel with a budget of US$7.1 billion. In addition, she said, Africa hosts the bulk of humanitarian activities such as resettling internally displaced people and refugees.

“Had it not been for the senseless wars and conflicts, the money spent on peacekeeping operations would have built thousands of schools, clin-ics, water-points, and other socio-economic infrastructure,” she said. Narrating historical backgrounds of African conflicts and violence to the slave trade era, Prof. Tibaijuka said it destabilized peace in African commu-nities by creating artificial boundaries that separated ethnic communities and effectively planted future conflicts in the continent. “Africa bleeds from the wounds inflicted during colonial times,” she said.

She however clarified that Africa not only suffers due to external interfer-ences but also because of her own inter-nal problems such as lack of cohesive visions and failed governance. “After all, many Asian countries suffered co-lonialism that was no less brutal and dehumanizing, but they have moved on to prosperity,” she said.

Prof. Tibaijuka proposed that one of the solutions is to empower Africans with the right kind of skills, values and personal traits. These, she said, would prepare Africans to lift the continent from poverty. She concluded with a challenge to the gathering thus: “You as clergy and educators have an extraordinary duty to live by the commands of the Most High, so speak up for those who can-not speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute, speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Promote enduring values; Car-dinal Njue challenges Catholic Educators…

sity of Eastern Africa, acknowledge that a lot has been done in issues related to conflict and peace building but we also have observed that there was a lot to be done to arrive at total peace rooted in justice.” He added that as instruments of Evangelization and taking the gospel as the light of academic engagement, CUEA can

for all the wrong reasons. Always it is about instability in Madagascar or turmoil in eastern Congo or fighting in Darfur or hostility in Delta Region of Nigeria or chaos in Somalia that make headlines of the international News Rooms,” she lamented.

Prof. Tibaijuka noted that sadly the UN was running 19 peacekeeping

Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UN HABITAT

Prof. Anna Tibaijuka

Apostolic Nuncio, H.E. Alain Paul Lebeaupin delivers the closing address (above) and Pro-Chancellor H.E. John Cardinal Njue with

Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Maviiri (below)


The CUEA Pro-Chancellor and Archbishop of Nairobi, His Eminence John Cardinal Njue commended the University for organizing such an important conference which coincides with the release of the working docu-ment for the Second African Synod whose theme is, Church in Africa at the Service of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace. He said that Catholic Edu-cation is expected to promote living values in and outside the learning institution. The values are justice, peace, honesty, integrity, and respect for all people.

Cardinal Njue condemned war and all violence, saying that war de-stroys and leaves those who remind behind with scars and trauma. “This conference should be able to search for ways of facilitating a peaceful and mutual co-existence of communities,” he said. Don’t be afraid in contributing to change, Apostolic Nuncio urges Catholic institutions….

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Alain Paul Lebeaupin said one of the

responsibilities of Catholic Universities should be to educate people who resolve issues by reason and Christian faith.

“As a representative of the Pope, I tell you not to be afraid and to go ahead where you are expressing, your Christian identity capable of contrib-uting to change Africa for all,” he said. “Each one of your institutions is certainly living a very specific situ-ation linked to the local reality, but where you are, you have the mission to research the root causes of violence and conflicts and provide solutions,” added the Nuncio.

The conference sub-themes were peace and education, theology and peace, family and peace, youth and peace, environment and peace, hu-man rights, economy and peace, and ethnicity and peace. Others were violence and conflicts, culture and peace, conflict resolution mechanism, globalization and peace, causes of violence, sustainable dialogue for peace, conflict management, social inequalities and reconciliation in African culture among others.

ACUHIAM was established in 1989 with the objective of uniting

Catholic institutions of higher learn-ing and being in the service of integral promotion of humankind and for the needs of Churches and societies of Africa. Among the mandates of the Association is to organize joint aca-demic conferences.

“The conference outcomes will be used in developing curricular and co-curricular programmes on violence, conflict resolution justice and peace building,” Dr. Gichure said.

The Dean of Students’ Office put in place a rigorous orientation programme for new students

as the 2009/2010 Academic Year got off. The Dean, Dr. Magdalene Dimba, took the first years through the Students Handbook, emphasiz-ing its centrality in students’ campus life. She advised them to read the book carefully and understand what is expected of them.

Dr. Dimba singled out the Dress Code which every student must ad-here to. CUEA education, she said, is not limited to the academic sphere but extends to behaviour formation and how students conduct themselves on and off campus.

Deputy Dean of Students, Mr. Gideon Maina, congratulated the stu-dents for choosing to study at CUEA. He said life is about choices, not chances. He added that a university is about universal values and any de-bate students engage in should reflect this universality. “As young people I urge you to live your dreams because you have an obligation not only to

your parents and society but to the AMECEA region and the world,” Mr. Maina said.

The Deputy Dean of Students further urged the students to develop a reading culture so that they can acquire knowledge to solve day-to-

day problems. Reading, he said, will enhance their capacity for critical thinking, build in them an independ-ent mind and most important, allow them to embrace different shades of opinion. He reminded them that their background should never decide their

Dean of Student’s Office Implements Rigorous Orientation for New Students

Dr. Magdalene Dimba, Dean of Students

Rev. Dr. Gichure Secretary, ACUHIAM


destiny; that everything zeroed in on their belief systems.

The University Counselor, Sr. Josephine Adibo, called for responsi-ble behaviour in and out of campus. She told the students experience has shown that no problem is insurmount-able. Sr. Adibo sought to demystify the myth that the Counselor’s office is for those with problems.

A consultant from NACADA, Mr. Githinji gave a moving presentation on the dangers of drug abuse. He told the students that drug and substance abuse is a feature of desperate conmen and the major culprits are university students. He said most students are introduced to the habit by their best friends. Mr. Githinji urged the stu-dents to be wise in their choice of friends. He recommended peer review on relationships.

Mr. Michael Lalampa of the High-er Education Loans Board (HELB) took students through the process of applying for loans. He encouraged them to make use of the loan facility to ease their fee payment.

Officials of the student body, CUEASO, also addressed the new students. They encouraged them to fa-miliarise themselves with the services

offered by the student body.The new students later under-

went orientation of the University Library. The Librarian urged them to maximize their use of the facility for serious academic work.Take personal responsibility for your thoughts and actions, Vice-Chancellor urges new students

The Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Maviiri urged the new students to be responsible for their thoughts and actions. He said this is the only way they can achieve the goal of Catholic higher education, which is to produce a competent and upright graduate.

The VC highlighted three docu-ments as key to student success: Students Handbook, Programme of Studies and Students Dress Code. (A document on Catholic Identity is nearing publication). Prof. Maviiri urged the students to read and un-derstand the documents well, noting that this will help them to maximize their potential intellectually, socially and spiritually.

“Your admission to University is a privilege and a treasure for which you must always be thankful. Take it

as a precious time to acquire knowl-edge, discover your inner-self, use your talents, mature your personality character and plan for a productive future. You have a lot of work to do and time is so precious, it must not be wasted,” the VC said.

Prof. Maviiri advised the new-comers against wasting time on idle talk/gossip, bad company of peer misfits, laziness and unrealistic wishes and wants. He urged mar-ried students to be serious with their marital relationships. “Be faithful to your spouse. If you are celibate or single, keep your dignity. The fear is not just HIV/AIDS. Pregnancy will not only disrupt your studies, but may stigmatize and cause distress-ful psychological disorders that you may have to bear the whole of your life,” he said and reminded them that everything has its time. “Concentrate on your studies and build your person-ality while maintaining your dignity and self esteem.”

The VC thanked parents and sponsors for supporting the students’ pursuit of higher education. He wel-comed them to partner with CUEA in its quest to produce the best out of students.

The reigning Miss CUEA, Mwende Mbae won the Miss University Kenya title after

beating 15 beauties from both private and public universities in the com-petition held on 4th June 2009 at the Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi. Mr. CUEA Jimmy Kerebe came second in the men’s category.

Miss Mwende said she was in shock when she was declared winner of the national title. “The competition was very stiff and when the judges called my name as the winner, I went into a daze for a second before I went out to the stage! I could not believe it. It took me time to believe that I won.”

Among the competing universities were Kenyatta, Kenya Methodist, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agri-culture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, and USIU. Some universities sent more than one contestant.

Miss Mwende said she gave the competition her best after preparing

for a long time with dedication and passion. While thanking the Univer-sity for giving her the opportunity to participate in the pageant, she request-

ed for additional support. “Preparing alone for such an event is not easy. I still need financial and moral support from the university. I am working day and night to balance both school and this co-curricular activity. I need sup-port as I carry the CUEA flag in the international arena,” she said.

Speaking to fellow students, Miss Mwende encouraged them to aim for the top in everything they do. “Desire for excellence and do not miss the opportunity to be the best person you can be in life,” she advised.

Ms Mwende’s vision is to offer her best to society and make a great impact in Kenya. “I will be the best I can to help Kenyans if not the world. I believe that only by serving others do we make a lasting contribution to the world,” she said.

Ms Mwende is the third CUEA student to represent Kenyan universi-ties at the global arena. She follows in the footsteps of Ms. Carol Maina

CUEA Student Wins Miss University Kenya Beauty Pageant

Mwende Mbae Miss University Kenya


and Ms. Robai Khamasi who won international titles in 1998 in Tokyo, Japan and 2005 in Seoul, South Korea respectively. In the men’s category,

The University’s marketing team, led by the Public Relations Office, mounted an aggressive

advertising campaign of university programmes in western, central and Nairobi provinces during the months of May and June.

The team was at Kakamega High School on 13th June 2009 for the Western Province Education Day. In addition to intensive one-on-one mar-keting, the team of four toured the re-gion in a CUEA bus emblazoned with banners proclaiming, “The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in the heart of western Kenya.”

The Education Day attracted over 200 secondary schools from western province. Organized by the Provin-cial Education Board, the event was graced by the Provincial Commis-sioner, Mr. A.K. Mwasserah. The PC said that education is very important in the development of human society. He encouraged schools in the province and other provinces to work hard to mold a generation that has concrete knowledge, values and principles.

Being the only private university at the occasion, CUEA drew the inter-est of students, teachers, guardians and parents. In fact, the marketing team was almost overwhelmed by the flow of students from different schools.

The Education Board noted that availing information from institu-tions of higher learning was a great opportunity for high school students in the province.

Central and Nairobi Provinces also visited…

The marketing team also set up shop in the Central Kenya region dur-ing the Archdiocese of Embu Catholic Education Day held on 30th May 2009 in Embu. Organised by the Embu Archdiocese Education Office, the event brought together over 20 high schools from Central Province.

Rev. Prof. John Maviiri, Vice-Chancellor of CUEA, was the guest speaker. He said schools are the hope

for societal development. He encour-aged teachers to help students to grow not only intellectually but also morally.

On 6th June 2009, the marketing team attended the Archdiocese of Nairobi’s 13th Catholic Education Day held at Ngenia High School. Parents, teachers, catechists, clergy, education officers, members of school committees, parish and diocesan edu-cation boards, Ministry of Education representatives and other stakehold-ers joined hundreds of students in celebrating the Education Day.

Organized by the Archdiocese of Nairobi Education Office, the festival was marked under the theme, “Edu-cation for behavioural change as the beacon of hope and success.” The celebration attracted over 150 nursery, primary and secondary schools under the Nairobi Archdiocese.

The day began with a colourful Holy Mass presided over by His Emi-nence John Cardinal Njue assisted by more than 15 priests. The Cardinal re-iterated that education should be taken seriously in Kenya. He encouraged teachers, parents and students to invest in education. “Education is a determi-nant of the social, economic and moral life of a nation. All students, sponsors, parents, guardians and stakeholders should give education the value it de-serves,” Cardinal Njue urged.

He observed that the objective of the Catholic Education Day was to create awareness among parents, teachers and the public about their role in Catholic Education.

The prelate said the Catholic Church has been involved in educa-tion since its inception. “The emphasis of the World Catholic Education Day has been the creation of awareness on the importance of churches’ involve-ment in education, the contribution of the Catholic Church in education, parents’ role as first educators of their children and publicizing global education issues, among others,” he stressed.

Cardinal Njue noted that Catho-lic Education is holistic and aims at forming the whole person, morally, intellectually, physically, socially, mentally and spiritually.

The Organizing Committee of the event identified several challenges to Catholic Education. These include the growing use of technology and the deterioration of moral and spiritual values, influences from electronic and print media, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, poverty, famine, drought, child abuse, lack of effective guidance and coun-seling departments in schools, and economic hardships. Other challenges are corruption, teenage pregnancies, lack of efficient dialogue between

CUEA Marketing Team Mounts Aggressive Campaigns in Western, Central and Nairobi Provinces

Mr. Martin Wambugu, who was Mr. CUEA in 2005, represented Kenya in Seoul, South Korea.

The University community wishes

Miss Mwende well as she prepares to represent CUEA and Kenya at the global pageant.

CUEA Staff explain the University’s programmes to High School students at a past exhibition


The Vice Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Maviiri took part in the 17th Conference of Commonwealth

Education Ministers (17CCEM) which was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 15th to 19th June 2009.

The conference attracted Vice-Chancellors of Universities in Com-monwealth countries alongside Teachers, Stakeholders and Youth Forums. The theme of the conference was “Education in the Common-wealth: Towards and beyond Global Goals and Targets attracted.”

The conference gave participants a chance to make their voiced heard by the Commonwealth Education Ministers who were discussing the state of education in the 53 Common-wealth member countries.

“The Vice Chancellors’ Forum specifically focused on the role of higher education in development. The main question was, ‘how far are universities changing and shaping nations’?” said Prof. Maviiri.

To have the desired impact, re-ported Prof. Maviiri, the Vice-Chan-cellors recommended that higher edu-cation should focus on people’s needs in their context and research must be trans-disciplinary to be relevant, applicable and acceptable. “It was

Vice-Chancellor Participates in Commonwealth Education Conference in Malaysia

recommended that each University should have a research policy and an accompanying plan of action giving direction on the focus of research themes as an institutional response to the actual needs of the people,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

The conference reiterated the need to underline not just academic excellence, but also the Common-

wealth values which would foster peace through justice, respect and understanding.

“At all levels, learning in schools should be a social activity preparing people to live harmoniously with others, recognizing diversity and the need to forge the unity of communi-ties and nations,” the conference emphasized.

As CUEA celebrates its Silver Jubilee, we recognize the con-tribution of staff at all levels.

Peter Adhoch has served the Univer-sity since 1984 in the Library. He has seen CUEA grow from “childhood” to what it is today. INTRA-CUEA NEWS talked to him and below are excerpts.

Mr. Adhoch, looking back at the last 25 years, what highlights come to mind?

We have come a long way! When I think of the library in 1984, we served a very small population of only 22

only accommodate a maximum of 60 students. We started with four staff in 1984 and after two years we got an additional two. Today we are over thirty full time library staff. We had only 12 non-teaching and around 15 teaching staff in the whole university. Today I guess we are over 350 staff!

In terms of facilities, the library had only one microfiche reader. Today we have over 60 computers.

In terms of administration, the library had two librarians. The first was Fr. Victor Colombo, a Jesuit from Canada. The other was Fr. Maurice Kisenyi. We also had four others in

CUEA at 25: Interview

students, mainly priests; today we are serving 6000 students, majority of them lay and over 300 staff.

The Library was small and could

Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Maviiri, at the 17th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers in Malaysia

Mr. Peter Adhoch

public schools and faith based insti-tutions, and lack of political will to invest in quality education that can bring about change in the society.

Catholic Education Day is cel-ebrated worldwide. In 1993, the Church resolved that the day be celebrated annually by individual

Episcopal Conferences. In Kenya, the day has been marked annually in every diocese since 1995.


acting capacity: Fr. Joseph Kariuki, Fr. John Mary Waligo, Fr. Albert Shorter and Fr. Patrick O’Brien.

When I came to CUEA the only building which was complete was the library. It was divided into two sec-tions. The left side was for St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary while the right side was CUEA.

In 1984, the University started building the administrative block in-cluding Finance Offices, L1, L2, L3, L4, student priest quarters (opposite Multipurpose Hall) and resident priest quarters (where the Personnel Office is located). They were completed before the coming of the Pope in 1985 when he visited CUEA to lay the foundation stone of the University.

Two years later they built the PhD priest students quarters. The staff quarters where lecturer priests reside were built between 1988 and 1989. Missio and Jubilee Halls followed.

The environment was bushy and quiet with a lot of indigenous trees. The whole compound of CUEA was part of the St. Tomas Aquinas compound.

Working for the same organisation for 25 years is

rare. Form where do you draw the energy and enthusiasm?

What has kept me in CUAE is my faith and the exemplary leadership of the first librarians; not the salary. My motto is ‘I came to serve, not to be served.’ The second thing is that I am a Catholic and working in Catholic institutions gives me satisfaction.

The first librarians I worked under have taught me dedication and hard work. They taught me by example, how to pray and be a good Christian. They taught me how to respect work-ing hours. They also taught me to take work seriously and how to be a com-mitted man in everything I do. Work-ing under those people gave me a lot of moral and good example because they were good people to work with and that keeps me going.

I practice what they taught me and that is why for all these years I have been respected by the University administration, staff and students. When CUEA was celebrating the 20th Anniversary, I was awarded a certificate of recognition as a good worker. I thank those who recognized my commitment.

Today, I treasure Fr. Kisenyi as a good example of commitment and

hard work. I feel encouraged to serve and work with passion when I see him work until midnight. He is very hard-working and a good administrator. He knows how to settle disputes among his staff and how to handle issues. He is also a committed priest.

I also commend all the librarians for their good behavior and dedica-tion. All are hardworking and friendly people.

CUEA students have been good to me and the University. I have never experienced any student riots in CUEA. They respect the rules and regulations of the library. They have a spirit of dialogue and respect. All these and my faith keep me moving and hoping for the better.

What is your message to the CUEA community?

Let us serve CUEA and carry the Vision and Mission of our Founding Fathers to the future generation. Let us put aside our individual differences and work together towards the devel-opment of the University.

The Catholic University has won awards worth more than KShs 1.17 million in this year’s Zain

Africa Challenge. The awards were presented to the Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Maviiri by Zain Af-rica Corporate Relations Manager, Mr. Okwiri, at a colourful ceremony held in the University’s Jubilee Hall Auditorium on August 19th 2009.

Speaking on behalf of his co-participants, Mr. Nur Mohamed thanked Zain and the University for the hospitality and support accorded to them during the Challenge. He said the competition was a good avenue for networking as it brought together the best brains from around Africa. He urged the University to continue promoting co-curricular activities.

Mr. Urbanus Ndolo, the 2008/09 CUEA coordinator and liaison officer, was full of praise for the students,

CUEA Wins over KShs 1.17m Awards in Zain Africa Challenge

CUEA representatives to the Zain challenge pose with the trophy. Looking on is the Vice-Chancellor Rev. Prof. John Maviiri


Administration and organizers. He termed the Challenge an opportunity to expose CUEA students to the world and for forging linkages.

Mrs. Lydia Mbuthia, who was the coach, praised the students for their courage, perseverance and agility during the Challenge. She predicted that CUEA will emerge victorious in next year’s competition.

Prof. Maviiri thanked Zain Af-rica and praised the students for representing the University well. He challenged both students and staff to engage in the game of the brain so as to find solutions to Africa’s problems. Commenting on the Challenge, the VC described it as an investment in people, saying it will help mould good

leadership. “If this generation gets it right, we shall see a better world,” Prof. Maviiri said.

Mr. Okwiri praised CUEA’s per-formance. He pointed out that CUEA and Zain Africa are similar in the sense that both are multi-cultural and act across Africa in their service. He noted that education levels have im-proved tremendously as demonstrated by students during the Challenge. He said Zain Africa wants to interact with the youth because they have potential.

Mr. Okwiri presented a grant of KShs 1.17 million in form of laptops, modems and data lines.

The liaison officer and coach received cash presents worth KShs 117,00 each while the students re-

ceived KShs 78,250 each plus mobile handsets worth KShs 18,000, Zain modems worth KShs 13,000, airtime and other gifts.

Rev. Prof. Juvenalis Baitu, the Acting DVC Administration, gave a vote of thanks and expressed his admiration for how CUEA stu-dents answered questions during the Challenge. He asked Zain Africa to consider a similar competition for lecturers and professors.

CUEA was the only private uni-versity from Eastern Africa that made it to the quarter finals of the Zain Africa Challenge. The University has participated in the Challenge for three consecutive years starting in 2006/2007.

A group of 10 students from the College of Holy Cross (USA) were in CUEA for a month-

long summer exchange programme. The students, who were accompanied by their professor, Judith Chubb, were in CUEA from 11th May to 8th June 2009.

During their stay, the students received lessons in Swahili and on social, economic, religious and po-litical topics from CUEA lecturers in the Department of Social Sciences and external resource persons. “The students also spent time on an intern-ship scheme in Kibera slums where they received invaluable exposure,” said Mr. Bernard Ndonga, Social Sciences Head of Department. Edu-cational tours were another feature of the exchange programme.

Even though the College of Holy Cross covered the students’ expenses while in Kenya, in the long run the host university will foot the bill. “For this time they paid all their accom-modation and facilitation expenses but in the future we are working on modalities of covering their expens-es,” said Mr. Ndonga, adding that the programme was a good opportunity for students of both universities.

CUEA also has collaborations with College of St. Benedict and St. John University Minnesota in USA and Catholic Relief Service (CRS) in Kenya. Between June 6th and 18th 2009, delegates from the two univer-sities were in CUEA. The delegates

College of Holy Cross Students and Professor Visit CUEA

were Charles A. Bobertz, Sr. Mary Jane Berger, Denise Keijer, Allison Spendar and Steven Thomas.

The delegates met Rev. Dr. Peter Gichure, Coordinator of Academic Linkages and Mr. Ndonga. The objec-tive of their visit was to forge a formal linkage between CUEA and CRS Kenya. CRS Kenya was represented by Mr. Peter Kimeu, Regional Tech-nical Advisor: Partnership/Global Solidarity, Church Relations, and Ms Margaret Kikuvi, Global Solidarity and Partnership Officer.

Mr. Ndonga said the American university was linking with CRS Kenya for industrial attachments be-cause CRS has many projects in the

country. He said a collaboration that started in 2005 was interrupted due to unforeseen reasons. In addition, the university has collaborations with the Diocese of Homa Bay because St. Benedict and St. John’s University are within the Diocese of Saint Cloud in America which has close relations with the Diocese of Homa Bay. “They have been having frequent visits to this diocese,” said Mr. Ndonga.

As the collaboration strengthens, the university is expected to send stu-dents to the Social Sciences Depart-ment for a semester, and if possible, send a visiting professor too.

The delegation from College of Holy Cross pose for a photo with Mr. Charles Otieno, one of the University drivers


The Pastoral Ministry on Cam-pus involves a number of as-pects: catechetical instructions;

preparing people for Baptism, Eucha-rist, Confirmation, Reconciliation and Matrimony. These instructions are given on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting at 5.00pm.

Couples who have not solemnized their marriage are encouraged to do so. So far, 5 couples have wedded in the University chapel and elsewhere.

We work with spiritual groups or movements e.g. Focolare, In-ternational Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS), Young Christian Students, Choir, and Pro-Life. We encourage them to invite others to the movements and to be role models on campus and elsewhere.

These movements are also in-volved in community service initia-tives such as raising funds and visit-ing the poor in slums. They work in conjunction with others in the Arch-diocese and throughout the country.

Feature: Pastoral Ministry on Campus

The Chaplain has held retreats for middle-level and support staff and has encouraged them to lead lives that are worth of their calling, to solemnize their marriage and enjoy the fruits of

married life. To young unmarried men and women, the Chaplain encourages them to venture into Christian mar-riage so as to live their potentials to the fullest.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Mukui, University Chaplain

Rev. Prof. Clement Majawa, the Dean of Theology, cel-ebrated twenty-five years of

priesthood on 25th July 2009 in his home parish in Blantyre, Malawi. The Mass, celebrated in Chichewa, was animated by over seventy priests and hundreds of faithful led by the Chancellor of the Catholic University Most Rev. Tarcisio Ziyaye. Prof. Ma-jawa was accompanied by his family, relatives and friends from Malawi and other Eastern African countries.

Delivering the homily, Arch-bishop Ziyaye said nobody qualifies for any vocation without God’s grace. He urged Christians to trust in God for guidance.

He described Christian life as a spiritual war that requires special weapons. He dismissed such powers as witchcraft and magic, saying that only divine power can overcome other powers. He said priests are in good health because God cares for them. “If you are a committed priest, God will never forsake you,” Archbishop Ziyaye said.

He concluded by thanking the CUEA community for traveling all the way from Kenya to join Prof. Majawa in celebrating the Jubilee

and rendering it very colourful and regional. “This gesture is not taken lightly by Malawians because it shows the kind of brotherhood Fr. Majawa shares with you.”

After the Eucharistic celebration, participants were treated to a delicious lunch and entertainment. The CUEA delegation and alumni in Malawi presented gifts to Prof. Majawa. Mrs. Pauline Ogondoa, a member of staff, presented a special song composed for the occasion as a gift to the Jubilarian. The message of the song was “Here

I am Lord, what more can I do? Now that I have served you for the last 25 years, I am still here to serve you.”

In the evening of the same day, the CUEA Alumni Malawi Chapter was officially launched. Archbishop Ziyaye graced the occasion. The CUEA delegation then visited the mother of Prof. Majawa and received her blessings.

The University community con-gratulates Rev. Prof. Clement Majawa and wishes him a long and fruitful service to God’s people.

Dean of Theology Celebrates Priestly Silver Jubilee!

Rev. Prof. Majawa (2nd left) celebrates the Eucharist with Most Rev. Tarcisio Ziyaye (3rd left) and other celebrants


Why Campus Ministry?Lately, we have experienced false

teachings and witnesses, particu-larly with regard to marriage. These include proponents of homosexual life and pro-choice (early pregnancy or abortion). The Christian faith in general is targeted. There is need to provide the faithful with guidance.

Other reasons for Campus Ministry are:• We are commanded to do it as a

pastoral duty • Communication explosion• Crisis in vocations• Need for holistic formation at

campus – intellectual, spiritual, social, and moral

• Preparation for leadership in church and society (to form per-sons who will lead in transparent, accountable and just ways)

Advice to Students while on long vocations: • No holiday from God’s

comandment• Be faithful whenever you are• Seek a sacramental life in your

area of holiday

• Be an example to others

The Chaplain urges the spirit of sincerity and openness in the Uni-versity community. He says these are grand virtues in relationships. He encourages the CUEA community not to lose hope in the face of global difficulties. Suicide, drugs, alcohol-ism and evil activities do not provide escape from reality. He urges students and staff to seek wise counsel.

The Chaplain asks the youth to be responsible and hardworking. He advises them against being glued to TV and videos but rather to expend their time on meaningful activities. In this era of severe job scarcity, the Chaplain asks the youth not to be choosy but to begin humbly.

Every Thursday at noon, students and staff come together for the liturgical

celebration of Holy Mass in Missio Hall. This is a good opportunity for the CUEA community to grow in their spiritual life.

The Chaplaincy is urging stu-dents and staff to encourage one another so that the whole Univer-sity community grows and move together towards its Creator.

The schedule below shows the responsibilities of faculties/depart-ments/division in animating the Thursday Holy Mass during the first trimester of the 2009/2010 Academic Year.

Chaplaincy Releases Trimester Schedule of Thursday Holy Mass

Month Date Faculty/Division/Department

September Thursday 3rd

Thursday 10th

Thursday 17th

Thursday 24th

Arts and Social Sciences

Commerce

Science

Education

October Thursday 1st

Thursday 8th

Thursday 15th

Thursday 22nd

Thursday 29th

Law

Administration

Research

Library

Theology

November Thursday 5th

Thursday 12th

Thursday 19th

Arts and Social Sciences

Commerce

Science

An aerial view of the Catholic University


An international group of musi-cians who preach Christian values through music vis-

ited Kenya to evangelize the youth. Hosted in CUEA, Gen Rosso came to Kenya following an invitation from Tangaza, a constituent college of the Catholic University. Tangaza had asked the group to teach music with Christian values to its students. The ten-day training took students through the process of composing gospel songs in a manner that is interesting for the youth.

Welcoming the group to CUEA, Acting DVC Administration Rev. Prof. Juvenalis Baitu lauded the mission of the group and expressed CUEA’s pleasure in hosting them.

Members of the group are Valerio Cipri (Italian composer and co-founder of the group), Benedikt Enderle (pianist and composer), Emanuele Chirco (conductor) and Eric Mwangi (dancer, DJ and actor).

The group draws inspiration from the Focolare charisma whose founder is the late Chiara Lubich.

CUEA Hosts International Performing Arts Group

Ms Florence Nakawunde, VC’s Secretary, a consecrated Focolare member said Gen Rosso evangelizes through music and goes from country to country when invited. “They get in-vitations from Churches, government,

and NGOs, among others,” she said. She urged Kenyan youth to imitate the group. “Kenyan gospel singers have a lot to learn and share with such groups in order to disseminate gospel values,” noted Ms Nakawunde.

DVC Administration Rev. Prof. Juvenalis Baitu (fourth left), Mr. John Nyambega, PA to the Vice Chancellor (extreme right)

and Ms. Florence Nakawunde (extreme left) with the Jean Rosso group

DVC Academic, Prof. Ogula (3rd left) thanks Mr. Benjamin Buclet, assistant consular of Training and Research at IRD, France. Others in

the picture are Dr. Lukwata (left), Director of Research, Prof. Nyanchoga (third right) and Mrs Marie-Pierre Ballarin

The Catholic University will be part of a research team that has received Euros 60,000 (KShs

6.80 million) from the Institute of Research for Development (IRD) to study identities and slavery heritage in Kenya.

The research team comprises the Head of History Department, Prof. Samuel Nyanchoga, Dr. Samson Om-woyo of Kenyatta University, Herman Kiriama of the Kenya National Mu-seum and Mrs. Marie-Pierre Ballarin from Fort Jesus Museum, Mombasa, who is also representing IRD.

The research project will be com-pleted in three years. The grant also has a training component to sponsor at least two Masters and one PhD stu-dent to conduct research in a related field. According to Prof. Nyanchoga, the criterion for the scholarship is that one must be taking an M.A. or PhD in History.

Speaking on the focus of the re-search project, Prof. Nyanchoga said the study will look at the heritage of slave trade activities in Kenya. He said some of those freed by slave mas-

CUEA in KShs 6.8 Million IRD Research Project

ters from different countries such as Tanzania, Mali, Congo, Uganda and Kenya in the 1860s settled at what is today Free Town in Mombasa. They received missionary education and got jobs in the colonial government. However, they suffered marginaliza-tion in the post-independence era. The research study will unearth reasons

for the marginalization.“Free Town could have been a

tourist attraction in Kenya if it was highlighted and given proper care. But as we speak the town is a slum area,” Prof. Nyanchoga said. He added that the town has symmetries as old as 1865 which are of great historical value.

Documents

INTRA-CUEA NEWS - EMANUELE CHIRCO · one of the solutions is to empower Africans with the right kind of skills, values and personal traits. These, she said, would prepare Africans