our roots

Seeking
in uisitive minds
Other programmes that are awaiting
approval by the University Senate are
M. Ed. Curriculum Studies, and M.Ed.
Psychology. The Department of Theology
is also developing a Ph. D in Leadership
and Governance.
Research and publication has
continued to play a critical role in the
School of Arts and Humanities. A
number of lecturers have engaged in
both research and publication, which has
resulted in a number of publications being
done. In addition, the School, through
the Department of Theology is planning a
major international conference to be held
in the month of August 2015.
As a School, we understand we
cannot forge any meaningful future
without espousing technology. In view
of this, we have continued to sharpen
ourselves in technology, especially in
e-learning. Our plan is to offer as many
courses as possible on e-learning this
year. To actualize this dream, we have
developed e-learning manuals for six
courses: three in Theology and Pastoral
Studies, two in Education and one in
Peace and International Relations.
Lastly, the School of Arts
understands the central role it plays in the
University, of ensuring actualization of the
vision and mission of Daystar University.
Not only does the School through the
Department of Theology and Pastoral
Studies teach Biblical courses that nurture
our spiritual life, but it also holds regular
prayers for the University and the nation,
including a day of prayer every semester.
In many ways, the School tries to provide
a forum for mentorship of students and
a collegial environment for all faculty and
staff within the School.
By Asutsa Govedi
Exam season is typically characterised by sullen faces, weight loss, hysteria,
stress, and grouchiness. It is a time when campus becomes so quiet that you
can hear the sound of your breathing. It is a time when even those who do
not naturally pray learn how to construct a prayer. It is a time when even the
spiritual get that occasional temptation to cheat. This is because they have to pass that
exam and get that coveted general points average (GPA).
Do you remember the last time you sought to know simply because you thought
knowledge is good? When you were like a sponge asking questions incessantly about
varied topics to the irritation of those around you? Today, that is not the case, instead
most students study to get good grades.
I remember that morning like it was yesterday. I was in Class Two and it was almost
my turn to go forward and recite the mathematical table, like it was the national
anthem. I got up from my seat, shuffled my feet to the front of the class, like a chained
death-row convict headed to the electric chair, and started stammering in fear. I was a
nervous wreck. I know some of you can relate to this.
Our intelligence quotient, teachers and school facilitators added rigor to the pillow
that suffocated budding creativity and enthusiasm for learning. You were probably
raised to think that education is just a path towards a career and nothing more. That
mathematics and the sciences are the road to success, and if you did not attain a
certain threshold you were relegated to the lower tier of the educational caste. After
this was drummed into our psyche, you developed a conqueror mentality: education
ceased to be an opportunity to create and innovate. It became a mountain you had to
climb instead of a leisurely sight-filled photography-laced hike. But should that really
be the case?
Employers today are looking for innovative minds, problem solvers, people who can
think outside the box. Passionate individuals who are wells of creativity. But how will
you become this person if the only time you read or create is when you have to?
Sir Ken Robinson in a paper he presented during a Ted Talk conference, titled “Do
schools kill creativity,” says that intelligence is diverse, dynamic and distinct. This means
that everyone is intelligent. However, the measure of the same is restricted to one’s
manifestation of intelligence. Pablo Picasso it is who once said that every child is an
artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.
According to Carl Preston, everything you read fills your head with new bits of
information, and you never know when it might come in handy. The more knowledge
you have, the better-equipped you are to tackle any challenge you will ever face.
“Should you ever find yourself in dire circumstances, remember that although
you might lose everything else—your job, your possessions, your money, even your
health—knowledge can never be taken from you,” he says. Make it a habit to read for
knowledge; it is a worthwhile habit.
DaystarConnect 2015 • 27