RISSEA PARTICIPATE IN BRIDAL EXPO, MAMBASA

A model wearing a Groom's gown ''Joho"

RISSEA took part in an exhibition by EVE magazine organized for the purpose of showcasing bridal designs and products. The Expo held for three days during EID, from the 10th to 12th September , 2010 at the Jubilee/Aga Khan hall, involved display of bridal designs and products by several participants from Mambasa city.

RISSEA displayed a range of products including Swahili bridal gown, the groom's Joho, bed-covers, cushions, and other bridal accessories. Other products displayed by the institute were bags, dresses, shirts. The response was overwhelming though it was the first time for RISSEA to participate in such exhibition; it was able to sell its products and attract quite a number of interests. RISSEA hopes to participate and /or organize similar exhibitions in future

CALLS FOR ABSTRACTS CLOSED

RISSEA complex

The Calls for Abstracts exercise for the RISSEA International Scientific Conference to be held in November, 2010 came to a close last week and the successful paper presenters have already been notified. A total of 25 abstracts were approved by the Reviewing Committee and their submitters have been given a nod to start writing their full papers. The abstracts came from a cross section of scientists in various fields in accordance with the outlined sub themes. The abstracts delved on topics on anthropology, linguistics, history, land economics, literature and religion. The full papers together with the registration form are expected in November 8th, 2010.

RISSEA INSTITUTE, MOMBASA AND LAMU

RISSEA training is designed as a single part-time or full time course, consisting of four modules . Modules last a  maximum of ten weeks. A formal certificate will be issued to each participant on completion of the full course or module. During this time, they are taught Swahili history and development, grammar, literature and culture. They are also exposed to first hand experience of Swahili environment. Excursions are organized for the students to visit old Swahili settlements like Jumba la Mtwana Ruins, Shimoni caves. Wasini Island, Gede ruins, Takwa ruins among others. The RISSEA teaching staff is made up of qualified Swahili native speakers of the language.

The four modules to be covered include:

• Swahil language
• Swahili culture
• Swahili literature
• Swahili history and identity

SOAS students at Lamu Campus

The institutes also strives to form collaboration with other institutes or Universities to enhance its mandate of training and research. Research affiliations and private tuition to researchers and students respectively has put RISSEA into the world map of academics. The University of London, through the School of Oriental and Africa Studies(SOAS) signed a memorandum of understanding with RISSEA, where the SOAS students come to RISSEA for their "Year Abroad Programme" to learn Swahili. The first batch of students came to RISSEA in 2005 consisting of 9 students and 2010 is the sixth year SOAS is sending students to RISSEA.

Jumba la Mtwana ruins

A GLOSSARY OF SWAHILI TERMINOLOGIES

TERM       EQUIVALENT IN      EXPLANATION
                   KISWAHILI 

Global       Zingiro           Global = Zingiro because of circular or round shape.

Scanner    Tambazo        Scanner = Tambazao Due to its spreading effect.

Internet     Ungamano      Internet = ungamano because its connects people to 

                                      communicate.

Office      Ukurungwani    Office = Ukurungwani it is derived from mkurungwa

                                       meaning office from archiac.

Radio      Mwengoya       Mwengoya means radio from the word mwengo meaning 

                                      echo from its function an echo coming from far 

                                      mwengo wa kuya = mwengoya.

Computer  Ngamizi        Computer is represented by ngamizi from its function of 

                                    swallowing 'Miza' everything that its fed.

Mouse     Kitauzi          Mouse is represented from by kitauzi a tool that you use to 

                                   choose.

Fax        Pepesi           Fax is represented by pepesi from pepesa which means 

                                   'to blink'.

E-mail   Baruwa pepe    E-mail represented by baruwa pepe which means baruwa
                                     'a letter' coming like a lightning pepe in Kiamu is lightning.


Ray     Uka                  Ray represents uka in expression kumepambauka in Kiamu
                                     which means sun rays are out.


Picture Uyoo               Picture is represented by uyoo.


Science Ulimbe           Science is represented by ulimbe derived from the knowledge
                                  of ulimwengu 'world' and viumbe 'creatures'.


Psychology Ushunuzi  Psychology is represented by ushunuzi meaning to open up 

                                  or expose things inside.

By: Prof. Ahmed Sheikh Nabahany

Swahili consultant

RISSEA

THE INAUGURAL RISSEA INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE - PART 1

Yesterday, 31st August 2010 marked the deadline for the final call for papers for the Inaugural RISSEA International Scientific Conference with the theme - 'Swahili Research and Development in Eastern Africa' scheduled to be held from 18th - 20th November 2010 in Mombasa. The conference aims to bring together leading researchers, students, teachers and all other Swahili researchers for the three day conference in November 2010.

Lamu Island

Given that, RISSEA is a fully fledged directorate of the NMK charged with carrying out and coordinating basic and applied research on the Swahili Speaking people of the East Africa’s coast and its Diaspora. The conference aims to examine how Swahili research has impacted on development especially in the areas of:-

• The history and development of Swahili peoples including history and development of the people and their culture, Language, linguistics & Literature (oral and written) and Traditional and modern performances
• Swahili material culture including; Architecture & construction technologies, Scientific and technological innovations, Dress and aesthetics 

• Swahili indigenous knowledge and its impact on the environment including; Oceanography, Astronomy and Astrology, Agriculture, Traditional medical and spiritual Practices, Culinary arts  

Swahili Groom - Lamu museum exhibit

This in view of the fact the, The Institute appreciates that apart from inquiry into the Swahili peoples, the language, Kiswahili, has the potential to serve as a medium of economical, political, and social integration in the wider East African region hence the motivation to enhance inquiry and research into its structure, function and applicability. Indeed, the language has a role to play in the realization of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and other planning and policy strategies. The language is widely used for a variety of purposes including awareness creation and intervention in strategies at the grassroots hence it’s highly appreciated unifying role. As a result therefore, RISSEA Swahili research should be appreciated for its role in contribution to the development of the nation and region economically, culturally and ethically; and the enhancement of uncontested African identity.

Centenary Celebrations - Part 1

This year 2010, marks 100 years since the establishment of the first museum in Kenya. As part of part of these celebrations, RISSEA will be hosting 3 events which will also be a culmination of National Museums of Kenya’s centenary celebrations. The 3 - events are; The Inaugural RISSEA International Scientific Conference, RISSEA Mombasa Cultural Festival plus RISSEA Furniture and Furnishing Exhibition  and will be held as follows:-

• Inaugural RISSEA International Scientific Conference with the theme of “Swahili Research and Development in Eastern Africa” will take place from 18th to 20th November 2010 in Mombasa. The conference, with a target audience of 200+, aims to bring together leading Swahili international researchers, teachers and students from around the world for the 3 day conference to deliberate on how Swahili research has and continues to affect development of the East African Region.

• RISSEA Mombasa Cultural Festival with the theme “Culture as a Vehicle of East African Integration and Cohesion” will be held from 17th to 19th December 2010 at Mama Ngina Drive, Mombasa. This year’s festival which targets an audience of 75,000+ over the 3 day period, unlike previous festivals in Mombasa, Lamu and Malindi, will aim to highlight the role which culture can play in promoting the integration of the East African Communities by facilitating cultural interaction of not only Kenyan cultural groups but also from other East African countries. 

Last years Mombasa Cultural Festival

Football tournament during last years festivalF

• RISSEA Furniture and Furnishing Exhibition with the theme of “Economic Empowerment through Creative Cultural Industries” will be held from 10th to 12th December 2010 at Mama Ngina Drive, Mombasa. This inaugural event which targets an audience of 30,000+ aims to highlight the role of creative cultural industries as a vehicle of economic empowerment as a means of alleviating poverty within the communities in line with Vision 2030. The above sub-themes are in line with the overall National Museums of Kenya’s theme of celebration of 100 years which is “1910-2010-Celebrating a Century of Heritage Management”.

Furniture Exhibition during last years Cultural festival

The above events will be an ideal platform for all cadre of stakeholders, sponsors, exhibitors, participants to participate or create awareness about their culture, products and services taking the opportunity of the integration and free movement of labour within the East Africa Community after the coming into effect on July 1st 2010 or the relevant protocol. For more information on the above events visit: http://www.rissea.org/

SAFARI MARKET 2010

Safari Travel Market Exhibition held on 3rd to 6th July 2010 was an exhibition for not only holiday products and services but also other aspects home furnishing all brought together under one roof.

Wood work products on display at Safari Village Market exhibition, Nairobi

RISEA was lucky to be among the 55 exhibitors who manged to exhibit their products at the spacious Village Market, Nairobi. We enjoyed the three days of activity, where business contacts were made and the possibility of new growth areas explored.

RISSEA's  main objective was to provide unique Swahili furniture and embroidery items from the production unit to the visitors and exhibitors alike. It was also an opportunity to identify new markets and contacts, also learn new skills and development from others stakeholders.

Customer services being a key part of RISSEA's business, the Institute is thus proud to serve its clients with enjoyment and dignity. RISSEA's products can also be found at the National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi Museums gallery and at RISSEA offices in Mombasa and Lamu.