Ekasi Podcast

In this episode Keitu Malatsi from the University of British Columbia in Canada comes to tell us of her experiences as an African student in a Canadian setting. We discuss on the mechanics of tokenism, the curium as well as tips for scholars navigating being a minority, so do tune in for a fun ride.Music: Ifeanyichukwo Ezinmadu and Fraser MacDonaldEditing: Henry Anumudu

In an interesting discussion with by Njoki Mburu a Kenyan alumni from the University of British Columbia we unpack the role of people and nature. We are leaving in the anthropocene and the reality of climate change. Topics such as the indigenous Canadian community, work in Kenya and the philosophical question of whether we are a part of nature are 

The third season of the Ekasi Season is kicking off. We will be speaking about our world today and some of the challenges that we are facing. Hosted by Julian Mashingaidze tune in for a myriad of Mastercard Scholar stories on how we plan to deal with issues such as mental health, climate change, social justice and so much.So stay posted in tune in!

Perspective shifting as a tool for social progress is what underpins Tumi and Tanatsei's huge body of work both within and beyond their university life.  Nigerian-born Oluwatumilara (Tumi) Akeke is a Mastercard Foundation scholar at the University of Edinburgh focusing on Biomedical studies. She has founded two non-profit organizations – Oncoreality which seeks to inspire conversations that would not only raise awareness about cancer but also protects the mental health of the diagnosed cancer patients, and the BlackEd Movement, a social enterprise that aims to promote conversations and spearhead reforms around racism, specifically in the context of the University of Edinburgh.    On the other hand, Tanatsei Gambura (Zimbabwean) describes herself aptly as a cultural practitioner, poet, and artist. She is, also, a Mastercard Foundation scholar at the University of Edinburgh where she not only pursues Intermedia art but also forms an integral part of the UncoverEd team, a venture that employs research techniques to shed light on the university's race-related history Tune in to learn how they have dedicated their daily lives towards changing perspectives in their respective fields and thus, ensure continued cultural progress and development in their respective fields of focus. Enjoying our episodes? Having any feedback or any specific topic that you would like to hear us address?  Click on the link below to share your thoughts. Soundtrack: Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu and Fraser Macdonald Audio editing: Geofrey Njovu 

What does the fight for equality and the push for women empowerment look like in the African context?  Tune in to this episode to listen to our hosts engage Irene Kinyanguli and Moneera Yassien on this pertinent topic among many other issues including their personal inspiration figures, the challenges faced in their quest for women empowerment and nuggets of wisdom obtained from their leadership journey.  Having recently graduated from the University of Arizona (under the Mastercard Foundation scholarship) Irene Kinyanguli is currently a consultant at Dalberg where she keeps pushing for women's voices to be heard and duly factored in the decision-making process both in the corporate/ professional space and in the various projects that Dalberg undertakes with its clients in the local communities.  Moneera Yassien, on the other hand, is a Mastercard Foundation postgraduate scholar at Sciences Po, France, where she focuses in International Studies. She is the founder and CEO of Amna, a Sudan-based organization that seeks to tackle gender-based violence. Outside Amna, Yassien has been involved in numerous ventures that work towards ameliorating the position of the African woman within her local society.  Enjoying our episodes? Having any feedback or any specific topic that you would like to hear us address?  Click on the link below to share your thoughts.   Soundtrack: Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu and Fraser Macdonald Audio editing: Geofrey Njovu  

Hammed Kayode and Lawrence Adjei – Giving back to the Community  Once one learns how to read and write, then they have all the fundamental prerequisites for success - Hammed Kayode  Hammed Kayode (Nigeria) and Lawrence Adjei (Ghana) are passionate educators keen to change the education space not just in the western region of Africa but across the continent.  Kayode, a postgraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Edinburgh is the founder of Kayode School, an institution that teaches children from a very young age to pursue solution-oriented learning models.  Adjei, on the other hand, is an alumnus with a master's in Economics and Business, co-founder of Adesua, which aims to improve access to education through an online learning platform.  Tune in to listen to our hosts engage Hamed and Adjei on the state of education in Africa, the challenges the continental education systems are facing and what could be done to improve the situation among a myriad of exciting and insightful topics.  Enjoying our episodes? Having any feedback or any specific topic that you would like to hear us address?  Click on the link below to share your thoughts.  Soundtrack: Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu and Fraser Macdonald Audio editing: Geofrey Njovu 

In this episode, our hosts engage Elyse Uwimpaye and Racheal Lawrence in an intimate conversation about their journey towards self-improvement while pursuing the goal of being agents of positive change in their communities.   Elyse, originally from Rwanda, is a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Edinburgh in his final year of Electronics and Electrical Engineering. Additionally, he is a published author of a motivational book titled ‘Soaring above Life's Turbulence' that, in his own words, seeks to push people to “close the gap between dreaming and achieving the dream.”  Racheal, on the other hand, is a Nigerian based in France where she is pursuing her MSc in Human Rights at Sciences Po. Her line of work has a major focus on youth protection in Northern Nigeria, both as a researcher and an activist collaborating with the local NGOs and community leaders.  Tune in to hear about the individuals who influenced these two community heroes, the key turning point in their lives that marked the start of their leadership journey, the struggles and adversity they have faced and overcome, how they ended up being Mastercard Foundation Scholars, and so much more.  Enjoying our episodes? Having any feedback or any specific topic that you would like to hear us address?  Click on the link below to share your thoughts.  Soundtrack: Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu and Fraser Macdonald Audio editing: Geofrey Njovu 

The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled - Plutarch Benita Gaju Rutagarama, an adjudicator and contributing trainer/coach at IDebate Rwanda did not realize her passion for debate until when her then mentor suggested to her that she should give it a try. Successfully suppressing her initial resistance to the idea and overcoming the deep-seated fear of speaking in front of large groups of people, she went in on it and the rest was history.  In this episode, Gaju, presently a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Sciences Po, France engages our hosts in a conversation during which she reflects on her journey in debate. She touches on how debate has not only improved her confidence and, therefore, opened doors to most of the opportunities she has had in life but also transformed her understanding of pertinent issues such as the Rwandan genocide.   Additionally, she speaks in a broader sense about the importance of debate and literacy especially targeted for the African youth.  Enjoying our episodes? Having any feedback or any specific topic that you would like to hear us address? Click on the link below to share your thoughts.  Soundtrack: Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu and Fraser Macdonald Audio editing: Geofrey Njovu   

Man's search for meaning is more pressing an issue particularly when the winds of life cast him into the darkest moment(s) of his existence.  Such was the case with Mostafa Olwan when he fled Syria for Lebanon with nothing but his family. Thrust into a new environment (with difference in language and culture) and with the baggage from the Syrian civil war that was accompanied by loss of friends and other important connections, Mostafa was keen to not just make sense of his depressive state but also rise above it. In this episode, our hosts engage Mostafa, a Mastercard Foundation Alumni at the American University of Beirut, in a candid conversation during which he talks about how he combined his passion for classical/rap music with his knack for visual artistry to build an online platform with a hundred-thousand-people audience where he shares his music and speaks about the war and its mental effects on Syrian citizens.  Enjoying our episodes? Having any feedback or any specific topic that you would like to hear us address?  Click on the link below to share your thoughts.  Soundtrack: Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu and Fraser Macdonald Audio editing: Geofrey Njovu  

Shufaa Mohammed, a Tanzanian Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the American University of Beirut is keen to transform the education landscape in her country of origin through her two non-profit ventures – MSINGI-ELIMU and KITUO-SHULE. Growing up in a single-parent household, Shufaa saw her mother continuously struggle to avail the necessary education opportunities for her. Now in a position of relative privilege and having been greatly influenced by the women who were a constant in her life, Shufaa envisions a Tanzania where education is no longer a luxury.  Tune in to hear her talk about the motivating factors for her transformative leadership journey, the challenges that come with founding a non-profit organization and the dream that she has for Tanzanian women especially when it comes to accessing education opportunities.  Enjoying our episodes? Having any feedback or any specific topic that you would like to hear us address?  Click on the link below to share your thoughts. Soundtrack: Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu and Fraser Macdonald Audio editing: Geofrey Njovu  

Armed with three certified academic degrees – an undergraduate in accounting and two postgraduates in supply chain management and digital global education, Ghanaian Godsway Dorlah is keen to use technology in not just disrupting Africa's perspective on agriculture but also revolutionizing the continent's agrarian practices. Tune in to listen to Dorlah speak to our hosts about blockchain, leapfrogging, innovation in the agricultural field, the formation of his ground-breaking gari company which aims to minimizing gari losses at the time of harvest while also empowering the local farmers financially and the challenges he faced as a ‘diasporan' looking to set an impactful business back home.  Enjoying our episodes? Having any feedback or any specific topic that you would like to hear us address? Click here to let us know your thoughts Soundtrack: Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu and Fraser MacdonaldAudio editing: Geofrey Njovu 

“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” This simple truism is the mantra that has guided most of the choices that Nour Al Halabi has made in her journey of sustainable and impactful leadership Currently pursuing an MSc in Anthropology at the American University of Beirut under the Mastercard  Foundation Scholarship, Nour strongly believes in the power of storytelling as a gateway for effecting change in the local Lebanese communities.   Tune in to listen to her recount her work with Nakhnu (an NGO that seeks to promote the Lebanese artwork) and how, armed with a degree in Television studies from AUB, she is continuously working towards normalising art as a viable career path for all and sundry.  Enjoying our episodes? Having any feedback or any specific topic that you would like to hear us address?  Click here to let us know your thoughts    Soundtrack: Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu and Fraser MacdonaldAudio editing: Geofrey Njovu 

Meet our hosts Geofrey Njovu and Julian Mashingaidze as they introduce Community Heroes - the second season of the Ekasi Podcast. After a successful debut season, Edinburgh Firsts, the podcast is back bigger and better! It features a more diverse range of guests and conversations. Our hosts sat down with incredible young people to understand what is at the core of their motivation. We have guests from Edinburgh University, Arizona State University, Science Po and the American University of Beirut. 

Welcome to a special episode of Ekasi Podcast. This is a bonus episode in recognition of Black History Month .The conversation features Ayanda Ngobeni, Brindley Fortuin and Dr Pumla Madikizela who explore issues of micro-aggressions against people of colour in modern day society and how that relates to the past. They delve into a deep analysis of the aggressions that happened during the gruesome times of apartheid South Africa along with the scars left on both the victims and the perpetrators of the atrocities of that time. The episode is a very educative listen. Dr Pumla, drawing from her rich experience over the years, highlights important lessons to be learnt by the current generation pertaining issues of micro and macro aggressions. The conversation attempts several difficult questions including: What struggles do minority students face in big internationalised institutions of learning?What sort of conversations, and how, should we have around various issues of taste-based discrimination? Edited by Geofrey NjovuSoundtrack by Ifyeanyichukwu Ezinmadu

Welcome to the eighth episode of Ekasi’s debut season. In this episode, our hosts – Julian and Geofrey engage in a profound conversation with two guests – Daniel and Omar. At present, Daniel Mutia is an Electronics and Electrical Engineer in his final undergraduate year at the University of Edinburgh. Omar Kanyi, on the other hand, double majors in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at the same university. Daniel is from Kenya while Omar is from The Gambia. Both of them are recipients of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.While the point of focus for this episode is the guests’ ‘monumental firsts,’ the highlighted themes are diverse. Daniel speaks about his experience meeting Princess Anne upon invitation to the royal dinner in his first year of studies alongside numerous university donors. He delves deep into how this event catapulted his university life trajectory for the better. Omar, on the other hand, explores the rewarding feeling following his first-time staged poetry performance. Additionally, he ventures into the rigorous process of forming the first ever European university-based Model African Union and the joy of seeing the success of its flagship event.Both guests speak about the pressure that comes with being role models to their peers, and how they harness this pressure into a force that pushes them to be better people with each passing day. They speak about the importance of self-belief as a fuel that has kept them going despite the once-in-a-while doubtful moments that plague their existence.Finally, the guests reminisce on their first time going back home after having been in university (and in the UK) for an extended period of time. Having been away for so long, they share about the sudden memory jolt they experience when they find themselves thrown in a different (albeit similar) system of life that they once knew as home. They also talk about how their friends’ perception of them had changed now that they had been out of the country, and how they navigated the new expectations that the friends had placed upon them.Tune in to hear the reflective, insightful and yet uplifting contributions from Daniel Mutia and Omar Kanyi to the final episode for Ekasi’s debut season.Edited by Geofrey NjovuSoundtrack by Ifyeanyichukwu Ezinmadu

Thank you for tuning in. This week on episode 7 of Ekasi’s debut season is a lively discussion between three students; our hosts, Julian Mashingaidze and Geofrey Njovu along with our guest Cosmo Mwamwembe, who is a Chemical Engineering student, and an Edinburgh University lecturer in the Energy, Environment and Society Department, Dr Kirsten Jenkins. They discuss their first time being assessed academically at university and the surprises that came with, and the methods of learning. The three students complain to the university lecturer about toughness of the assessment criteria in university which to them, seemed very different in their first year compared to their high school experiences. In this engaging conversation, everything you need to know about how exactly university assessments are set up along with the amount of work expected from you is expertly explained by Dr Kirsten. Some important questions are raised in terms of what to do when you find yourself with an assignment for which you do not understand what is required of you or, like Cosmo, you come from a different continent hence a totally different academic system.Join in on this fun episode as we explore some important questions around university learning in this 21st century with the challenges associated with it and some tips on how to overcome them and achieve your goals. How was your experience with integrating into university? Or if you haven’t gotten into university as yet, how do you think you will fair at your first assessments? These are questions not meant to unsettle you as this episode answers them swiftly with everything engraved in laughter, providing you our valuable listener with a good listening experience. Don’t miss out on the fun, tune in for an enjoyable listening experience.Edited by Geofrey NjovuSoundtrack by Ifyeanyichukwu Ezinmadu

Welcome to the sixth episode of Ekasi’s debut season. In this episode, our hosts – Julian and Geofrey sit down and chat with Vivianne Goetz and Quincy Namonje. Vivianne, who is from Switzerland, is an Agricultural Science major. Quincy, from Zambia, is a Mastercard Foundation Scholar studying Economics with Finance at the University of Edinburgh.In this deep yet lively conversation, our guests reminisce upon their arrival at the University of Edinburgh. They not only take us back to the first form of friendships they struck as new international students but also talk briefly about how these cordial relations grew with the passing of time. They speak about the ease of making new friends and setting up familiar and healthy social circles after having found themselves in a place far away from home. Additionally, they explain the expectation adjustment especially when it came to academic grading – both of them boast of stellar high school grades prior to coming to university.This chat finally culminates into our guests exploring mental health. They reflect upon their perception of mental health prior to experiencing university life and how that has changed now that they are university students.Are you curious to know how our guests have managed to thrive in an almost demanding academic space? Then tune in to hear some of the personal, tried and tested measures that they have employed in their daily lives in order to ensure a robust mental health status.Audio edited by Geofrey NjovuSoundtrack by Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu

Welcome to the fifth episode of Ekasi Podcast’s debut season. In this episode, our hosts - Julian Mashingaidze and Geofrey Njovu - have an insightful conversation on what the seemingly simple word of home means to Professor Peter Mathieson who is the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh and Johanna Holtan who is the Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh.Professor Peter Mathieson and Johanna Holtan both had childhoods that involved them moving around due to their fathers’ professions. These movements to different places continued even in their adulthood for various reasons including career opportunities, family and friends. Most of us have lived in one, two or at most three different places and can easily refer to one particular place as home. But in this discussion, with guests who have been on the move most of their lives, the concept of what home really means is taken to a deeper and broader level.When you think of home, what comes to your mind? Is it a place? Is it the people in the place? Is it the geography of the place? Is it the feelings associated with the place? Is it a combination of factors? What really is home to you? These are concepts that were dissected by our honourable guests and adept hosts to such an extent that ultimately, one will realise that the number of places you have lived does not matter as one can still have a home regardless of where they are in the world and can still be happy and successful. Now, does this not make you want to know the exact composition of what home really is for the University of Edinburgh’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor ,Professor Mathieson, and Mastercard Scholars Program Director, Johanna Holtan? To get all these questions answered and that curiosity satisfied, tune in and listen to 'when Edinburgh first felt like home' for our highly esteemed guests. Edited by Geofrey NjovuSoundtrack by Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu

Episode 4: First Time Exploring Edinburgh – Blossom Kafumbata and Esther Mndeme.Welcome to the fourth episode of Ekasi’s debut season. In this episode, our hosts – Julian and Geofrey – engage Blossom and Esther in a vibrant conversation as they relive their experiences of getting lost and found as new international students in the city of Edinburgh. Both of our guests are recipients of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh. Blossom is pursuing Chemical Engineering while Esther seeks to specialise in Business with Enterprise and Innovation.In the ensuing conversation, our guests detail the first time they got lost while trying to explore the city. They share about the driving force behind their exploration (was it intentional or spontaneous) and how, in some instances, technology saved their lives especially when it came to directions and getting lost. They not only draw parallels between the city life in Edinburgh and that of their respective homes but also highlight some of the pros and cons of living in Edinburgh.Did you know that there are myths about visiting the Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat in your first year of residency in Edinburgh? Are you wondering what the best places to visit would be if you found yourself in Edinburgh but were pressed for time? Tune in to hear our guests speak about that from their explorative experience.Edited by Geofrey NjovuSoundtrack by Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu

Edited by: Geofrey Njovu Soundtrack by: Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu Episode 3: First Day of Class – Christopher Kuamba and Brenda Mioniki. Welcome to the third episode of Ekasi Podcast’s debut season. In this episode, our hosts (Geofrey and Julian) engage two student guests in a reflective conversation about their first day of class and the expectations they had about the University of Edinburgh. The guests are Christopher Kaumba from Zambia and Brenda Mionki from Kenya. Chris is a philosophical young man who is currently studying Economics and Mathematics. While, Brenda is into plants and entrepreneurship and is currently working towards a degree in Pharmacology. She wants to become a sustainable leader of tomorrow. Both guests give us insights into their first day of class.In this fast paced and emotional conversation, Brenda and Chris reflect on their anticipation of student life. They shed light on the difficult realities of university life including how draining coursework can be at times. They provide useful survival tips for students and warnings about the dreaded assessments. Equally, our guests, being international students, discuss how to find one's feet and make social relationships in a foreign land. Tune in and take a ride as our guests and hosts speak about varied first-year university experiences such as integration, making connections and how to adapt to student life especially in an overseas context. This promises to be a truly unforgettable episode and one that cannot be missed.

Edited by: Geofrey Njovu Soundtrack by: Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu Episode 2: First Time Exploring Edinburgh – Martine Irakoze and Jesse Solomon Jedidia. Welcome to the first episode of Ekasi Podcast’s debut season. In this episode, our hosts (Geofrey and Julian) engage two student guests in a reflective conversation about their first time to explore the beautiful city of Edinburgh. The guests are Martine Irakoze, an international relations student at Edinburgh university, as well as an active Mastercard Scholar from Burundi. The other guest is Jesse Solomon, a Kenyan student who also happens to be in charge of the Ekasi podcast communications. Jesse is currently working towards a BSc in Electrical Engineering. Both the guests are vibrant individuals who will take us on a colourful journey through Edinburgh. In this intriguing and lively discussion, Martine and Jesse reflect on their first time to truly explore the wonderful city of Edinburgh. They look back into the specific experience of their first flight first time seeing the city and being lost in its streets. They speak about their excitement and anticipation about exploring the Edinburgh streets for the first time. Equally, our guests will in turn discuss about the Edinburgh weather and how it impacts on fashion choices and how in turn this impacts their social relationships. We will also have a more in depth look into the Scottish culture, UK sports and the famous J.K Rowling. Martine and Jesse will give expert advice for any students heading into university and navigating through its various difficulties.So, tune in and take a ride as our guests and hosts speak about a number of first-year university experiences such as the concept of getting lost, finding an identity and how shape their professional identities. This promises to be a truly unforgettable episode and one that cannot be missed.

Edited by: Geofrey Njovu Soundtrack by: Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu Episode 1: First Flight – Zoe Mebude and Blessing Mucherera. Welcome to the first episode of Ekasi Podcast’s debut season. In this episode, our hosts (Geofrey and Julian) engage two student guests in a reflective conversation about their first flight to the University of Edinburgh. The guests are Blessing Mucherera, an environmental development scholar from Zimbabwe and Zoe Mebude, a Zambian/Nigerian student who has a keen focus on International Relations with Quantitative Methods. Both of our guests are recipients of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh. In this warm and hearty conversation, Zoe and Blessing reflect on their first time to ever step into the aeroplane. They look back into the specific experience of their first flight to the university. They speak about their family excitement as they were seen off at the airport, the extended layovers in countries far away from home and their bizarre and yet funny experiences with their seatmates in their respective flights. Equally, our guests explore the emotional impact this maiden flight had on them. They share intimately how on one end, there was the excitement at the opportunity to explore the lands they had only imagined of for so long (such as the vastness of Heathrow Airport) while on the other, there was a deep-seated sense of responsibility – the responsibility to make the best of such an opportunity and to also ensure that the benefits of such opportunities trickle down into the communities that they left back home. As such, Blessing and Zoe share how such mental schemas have provided a fundamental guideline of how they live their day-to-day lives as students at the University. Tune in to hear our guests and hosts speak about a myriad of issues such as the concept of African-ness, and how their personal sense of heritage, history and identities have been not only heightened but also changed by something as simple as a seventeen-hour flight away from home.

This is the official trailer for the Ekasi Podcast season 1: Season of firsts. Our hosts, Julian Mashingaidze and Geofrey Njovu, introduce the concept behind the podcast and share a little bit about themselves and what listeners should expect from this season. "We hope to take you on an exciting journey as we take our guests back to their memories of challenges and milestones experienced as they navigated a different system and way of life."Edited by: Geofrey Njovu Soundtrack by: Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu