Song of the week: "Wanadamu" by KEMPS boys' Kwaya Umoja

Most Sundays, I attend church at the school together with the pupils and matrons.  Entirely in Kiswahili, it is an excellent time for me to practice my language skills.  The teachers who live on campus take turns leading the service, and as the sermons are more geared towards children, there are Sundays every once in a while where I feel I understand something of the message for the week.

Even more thrilling than understanding part of a sermon, or finding the right page in my hymnal or bible, is the chance to listen to the different choirs of pupils.  There are several girls' choirs, and one boys' choir.  All of these choirs are impressive as the pupils lead them themselves, practice on their own time, decide on dance steps, harmonies, drumming patterns and who will sing solos.

 Today I have a video of the boys' choir, called the Kwaya Umoja (Choir of Unity).  It consists of boys from standards 3-6, and even a standard 7 graduate who returned to campus when he heard I would like to videotape them.  It is lead by Henry in Standard 6 who plays the guitar and also sings several solos in different songs.  I am constantly impressed that these boys can play the guitar, lead themselves, dance, sing solos and sing in harmony!  I would never catch an American boy dancing with such confidence!    

I will try to post a new song each Sunday,  so tune in every Sunday for a taste of church music Tanzanian, or KEMPS, style! 

"Wanadamu"

Verse 1: Wanadamu tunayo dhiki kubwa.  Maisha yetu ni ya wasiwasi.
             Amani utulivu vimekwisha.  Tukimbilie wapi kuokoka? x2

Refrain: Yesu anasema jipime moyo uwe na amani.
             Yesu anasema ni mimi nimeushinda ulimwengu x2

Verse 2: Dunia yote ina yumbayumba.  Roho za watu zinadundadunda.
             Fikiria kutuvusha mawimbi kama si Yesu mwana wake Mungu.


"People"

Verse 1: People we have big problems.  Our life is of worries.
            Peace and harmony are over. Where should we run to save ourselves?

Refrain: Jesus says test your heart and you shall have peace.
            Jesus says I am the one who won the world.

Verse 2: The whole world is staggering.  Hearts of people are beating.
             Think of crossing the waves if it is not Jesus the son of the Lord.

Translation by Henry, Elibariki and Yona (Standard 6).

Latest News on Construction at KEMPS

Last week, construction resumed on the boys' bathrooms.  Thanks to many of you and your generous donations, we watched trucks with cement, rock and other building materials arrive on campus.  Since then, workmen have been busy cementing the floor, framing out doorways and windows, and building an entrance wall to give privacy on the exposed hilltop.

Last week, construction also took place to link the school building rooftop to the main rainwater tank on campus.  The school's running water is extremely unreliable and instead, students and staff (myself included) rely on the rainwater collected in the tanks for daily chores such as washing, bathing and even drinking water.  Two weeks ago the large tank went dry and the school (200 or more pupils, as well as the staff) shared one small reserve tank for bathing, cooking and washing.  Fortunately, the rains have since returned, and with the new piping collecting additional rainwater, there should be fewer shortages in the future.

Below are some photos of the latest construction on campus.