Author: Nice-View-Reporter

We Are Not Mining Metal – We Are Mining Sand

Written by Nice-View-Reporter on January 31, 2020. Posted in Uncategorized.

Good afternoon. We are Nice View Reporters, my name is Yusuf, this is Mohammed, and Abubakar.

Nice to meet you.

Can we have an interview with you?

Of course you can.

Who is the head of Base Titanium and what is the structure of the company?

Base Titanium is a subsidiary. So, if you take parents and children, we would be the first child and the parent company is Base Resources. Base Resources has two people in charge of it, they are based in Australia. They have a board that manages the running of their company. At Base Titanium, we have three general managers, and then we have a board of directors above them, and they all have to report to the people in Australia. Then we have a second company which is Base Toliara which has just started, they have the same structure as Base Titanium.

How many people are employed at Base Titanium?

Permanent staff are over 700. We have a total of about 1,100, including outsourced contractors.

How do you make Titanium?

We do not make titanium. We are not mining a metal, we are mineral sands operation. We take out three minerals that have titanium oxide in them: Rutile, Ilmenite and Zircon. Rutile and Ilmenite are sort of a dark colour, nearly black, and Zircon is a golden coloured sand.

How is Titanium mined?

At the beginning we used a mining method called dozer mining units which is the use of bulldozers, but currently we use hydraulic mining units which is basically using water as a method. It is all open pit.

How do you transport the minerals?

We transport the minerals in two separate ways. One way is in the back of contracted lorries so they can then go to our Likoni port facility and are transported outside of Kenya with bulk shipping. The second way to transport minerals is inside bags going to containers. The containers then go to Mombasa port, and those containers go on to other ships and are taken to different parts of the world.

How many trucks do you have?

We as Base Titanium don’t owe a single transport truck. We have a contract with a truck company.

What do you use to pack Titanium into the trucks?

The minerals that are transported with bulk shipping don’t need any sort of bags, the minerals go right into the back of the truck, just as they would go right into the belly of the ship. For those that are going into containers, they are going into bags, those bags go into containers, and the container go into the trucks.

Why do you cover the trucks at the top during transportation?

Because we don’t want to loose any minerals on the way.

How many kilometers do you cover from Base Titanium to the port in Likoni?

It is 25 km from Base Titanium to Ukunda, and then it is roughly 30 km from Ukunda to the port facility, so it is 50-55 km.

What are the challenges you have faced so far?

Challenges of transportation are if we have any sort of delays on the road to the port facility which delays how many tons of minerals we can get to the port every day. Other challenges will vary from how the communities will respond to us, and maybe we can have a few glitches in our plant. It’s different challenges every day, just like running a normal business.

How have you worked on the challenges?

Day by day. If it is traffic for example, the challenge is completely different to if it is a big downpour. We can’t change the weather, can we? If it is within our control, we try and handle it the best we can.

How long do you mine to get the minerals?

We have been mining in Kwale since 2013 and our current mining lease will end in 2022. We have made applications to extend our current mining license to 2024 as well as to mine in other parts of Kwale County and Kenya.

Thank you very much for the interview.

You are welcome.

Nice View Reporter Podcast from the Marine Education Centre

Written by Nice-View-Reporter on January 31, 2020. Posted in Uncategorized.

Episode 1: A visit to the Marine Education Centre in Diani, Kwale, Kenya

The Marine Education Centre in Diani opened in September 2018. Its main purpose is to raise awareness to the highly vulnerable marine habitat.

The Green Team of the Nice View Reporter 2020 project visited the Centre for their very first episode of the brand new Nice View Reporter Podcast.

[podlove-episode-web-player post_id=”1887″]

Team Green in front of the Marine Education Centre with staff members Jenny (middle), Kelly (in front of the right door wing) and Fatuma (right).

Fatuma Mwanyenze told us a lot about the marine habitats and how we all can help to protect them.

Dropping by Nice View Daycare

Written by Nice-View-Reporter on January 30, 2020. Posted in Uncategorized.

We were at Nice View Gratitude day care and we met Anna and Epiphania. We wanted to know how their work is done and the challenges that they face. One of the challenges is parents taking their children to school without sweaters, during cold weather and also during the rainy seasons. The children can´t play outdoor games. This forces her to take the children to the yoga room for some activities.

We asked one of the teachers how much salary is she paid per month. And she said the salary is a private matter. That was our last question and we thanked them for their co-operation. (Team 1)

We were at Nice View daycare. We interviewed the teachers and children and took photos. The children were so happy and some were shy.

We interviewed one mama and she said one of the challenges is that the parents don´t bring the children early. The children don´t come early but still the mamas love the children.

After the interview the mama took the children to the toilet and after that they went for break.

We said goodbye to the happy daycare and had learned something about the daycare. (Team 2)

REGIONAL BALLGAMES AT BURHANI SPORTS CLUB MOMBASA

Written by Nice-View-Reporter on April 25, 2019. Posted in Architecture.

We only managed to take the leg ball girls at the regional level where we qualified as position two.

**NICE VIEW GRATITUDE ACADEMY LEG BALL TEAM**

We went early before the kick-offs. Our pool had only six teams which included Nice view, Tiwi Baptist, Rassul Academy, The Precious Academy, Little stars Academy and Elimu ya Kenya. Our first match was against Elimu ya Kenya where we won 1-0 despite losing a number of chances. Rasul had won their first match with four goals and had to top the pool. Nice view and Tiwi Baptist had also won their matches 1-0 respectively.

In order to have four teams in the semis, we had to get the best loser which was done through post match penalties between Elimu ya Kenya and Precious Academy where Elimu ya Kenya won.

**TIWI BAPTIST ACADEMY** **LEG BALL TEAM**

Tiwi Baptist played their first semi final against Rasul whom they thrashed 3-0 thus getting into the finals.

The second semi final was between nice view and Elimu ya Kenya where Nice view.

NICE VIEW WON 1-0

Nice then had to meet Tiwi Baptist in the finals. In the finals, the match ended in a goalless draw and the winner had to be determined through penalty shootouts. Tiwi Baptist won the shootouts by 2-1. The two teams that met in the finals went directly to the National level which is to be held in Nairobi on 3^rd to 6^th of April at Juja preparatory and Corner broke Academy respectively.

**NICE VIEW BEING AWARDED AS THE 2ND RUNNERS UP AS THE CAPTAIN AND THE TEAM COACH MR FELIX PICK THE AWARD**

**A GROUP PHOTO OF THE TEAM AFTER RECEIVING THE AWARDS**

DEVELOPMENT IN MSAMBWENI

Written by Nice-View-Reporter on April 25, 2019. Posted in Education, Professions.

Msambweni sub-county has really developed in terms of infrastructure. For example; transport and communication, water projects, culture and even medical care. In other words Msambweni is one of the developing districts in Kwale.

WATER PROJECTS

We visited Msambweni water project where we managed to meet Mr.Rama who was working as the meter reader.

**FROM THE RIGHT IS MR RAMA THE METER READER**

He told us that the water project started since long. It was established by the government to help its citizens. The water project provides water in all areas of Msambweni sub-county. The water is clean and pure for consumption.

ONE THE STUDENTS HAVING A TASTE OF THE WATER

MEDICAL CARE

In the past people in Msambweni sub-county relied on herbalists and midwives for medical care. In present day Msambweni has well equipped medical facilities. It has the biggest government hospital that is Msambweni level 5. Msambweni is also privileged to have the best private hospitals around.

It has qualified staffs and modern facilities

**ONE OF THE MODERN FACILITIES AT NICE VICE VIEW MEDICAL CENTRE**

**INCUBATORS WHERE PREMATURE BABIES ARE KEPT ARE ALSO AVAILABLE**

This has really helped so much especially to the mothers who have had premature babies: Hence reducing the number of babies dying prematually every year.

ROADS

Msambweni sub-county has developed in means of transport. The Msambweni sub-county has good tarmac road that joins Msambweni and Tanzania. This has promoted trade between Kenya and Tanzania

THIS ROAD CONNECTS KENYA AND TANYANIA,

SECURITY

Msambweni has also developed in security hence many people are located in the area. It is free from criminal activities it has police forces, patrol cars and also it is lightened with security lights thus it is a peaceful and conducive place to be.

KENYA PRIVATE SCHOOL ZONAL BALL GAMES

Written by Nice-View-Reporter on March 29, 2019. Posted in Uncategorized.

We were privileged to host the KPSA ball games due to the availability of sports resources. The following are the Msambweni private schools which took part in the activity; Nice view gratitude Academy,

Msingibora Academy,Karama academy, Kag academy. They were all excited and ready to take part in the following games; handball, volleyball, football, legball and last but not least netball. The games kicked off at 8.00 am and we started with football.

The first game was between Nice view and Kag where nice view won 1-0. The win guaranteed them to play the next match where they had a tight match with Karama academy. At the end of the game Nice view managed to become the victors by winning 1-0. This second win made Nice view top the group by winning all their matches thus having 6 points out of two matches. The second position was taken by KAG academy. The two teams are to proceed to the next level.

In leg ball, our girls really made us proud by winning all their matches.

Their first match was against Msingi bora whom they thrashed three goals to nil. The girls really showcased their talent and outshined their opponents. The player of the match was Mwanajuma Swaleh who scored a hat-trick. Their second game was against KAG academy which NICEVIEW won one goal to nil. The win guaranteed them a move to the next level which is the sub-county as the first runners up.

Our boys made us proud again for the second time by winning the volley ball match again.

The match was derby between us and our neighbours Karama Academy. At first they seemed to attack us again and again due to the two spikes right in front of their court. They won the first set but we were so keen an eyeing to win the second set so as to equalize the results. We won the second set and the third set in a row. The third set was very competitive and tricky for us but we emerged victors of two sets to nil.

In the girls category, we played against Msingi boar where our girls won by 2-0.

They proceeded to the final with Karama where they lost 2-1. They emerged position two and guaranteed themselves a chance to play in the sub-county level.

We also took part in netball for the first time ever and the results were good too.

Our boys played their first match against Karama where we lost 12-8. Our next game was against Msingi bora whom we beat 7-0. We emerged the second runners up and proceeded to the sub-county level. the day ended well.

Shop Business

Written by Nice-View-Reporter on February 8, 2019. Posted in Architecture.

The owner is called Hamisi Chiwewe Ndegwe and he is 28 years old. He has done this shop business for 4 years. His family depends on it. Hamisi sells vegetables like kales, pig weed, spinach, cabbage, tomatoes and onions. Most of his products he buys from Kongowea market in Mombasa.

Hamisi also said that for one to start such a business, you need a capital of 30,000 shillings. Most of Hamisi’s customers come from the nearby hospital, and there are also those who bring patients. In order to win the confidence of his customers, he gives them a discount. Sometimes he offers credit to his customers.

Later on, we went to Abikari shop. The name of the employee is Abdhalla Rashid, who has been working there for a year. He buys his products from the main market in Ukunda. He heard that his employer needed a capital of one million to start the business. From the business, he earns 2,000 shillings per day. He also said that he advertises his business in the internet and at the local place. He reports that some customers buy on credit, but if it takes them a long time to pay back, he has to report them to the chief.

In the store there were food and snacks, and drinks. The shop is also an agent of the M-pesa company.

We also visited Mwanaulus bakery shop, where she sells food like vikarisho, mandazi etc. She said to have started the business long ago. She said that it is a personal business and she depends on it. They buy their own type of cooking materials and produce on their own.

They needed a capital of 30,000 shillings to start the business. They offer interesting and attractive goods, but anyway they get a low profit out of it. She said that they are always patient with their customers.

We also visited Swabrina hardware. We found the owner who told us his name is Abdalla Muhammed. He said it’s a personal business. He also said he has done the business for 4 years now. He buys his goods at the main market in Mombasa.

He posts his goods on the road side and in the internet. He gets above 3000 shillings profit per day. He’s patient with the customers who take long before paying his credit.

Last but not least we visited Fundi’s shop. We found him with a customer. He told us his name is Sabit Muleile. He told us that it’s a personal business and one of his future plans is to hire an assistant. He gets his materials from Mombasa hardware. He said for one to start such a business you need passion and a capital of 3000. He also said that he gets 300 as a daily benefit. He advertises his business through posting on the side of the road. One special thing is that he is patient with customers who take a long time without paying their credit.

Another task of our reportage was to make interviews with shop customers. Most of them were a little bit shy and did not want to be photographed. One was called Alima Rashid, buying clothes. She said that she buys often in the shop, feels well treated and gets a discount. Sometimes she pays cash, sometimes M-pesa.

This picture shows Malazi, who was buying soda drinks. He likes the shop and he is well treated but he goes their rarely.

He told us that he mostly pays cash and that he gets credit and a discount depending on the seller and type of goods bought.

Kuku na wali – Chicken and Rice. Cooking at Nice View Kitchen

Written by Nice-View-Reporter on February 8, 2019. Posted in Architecture.

This is the menu for the first week of February 2019. Apart from lunch Nice View School offers as well breakfast and dinner. But breakfast and dinner is only for the kids, that are permanently living in the children’s home. Right now, 43 children are living in the home.

Nice View kitchen preparing beans. The people working in the Nice View kitchen use gas to cook the food for the pupils in school.

After the chief chef is done with cooking, he and his team take part in serving the food. The chief and his team must be quick when serving. There are so many pupils that they eat in shifts. First the young ones are served and afterwards the others according to their age.

One of the kitchen members serving food to the school pupils.

A teacher receiving a meal from the counter.

In the Nice View dining room, around 40 pupils are eating at the same time. While they are eating the room is mostly quiet.

In Nice View pupils use the cutlery, for example fork and knife.

One of the pupils enjoying a meal at school. He is looking happy because of the taste of the food.

Interview with the chief

The reporters did this interview on Monday, 4th of February 2019.

Chief Chef: “I like cooking so much and that’s why I mostly cook at home as well.”

Reporter: What is your name?
Chief Chef: Abinayo Makondo.

Reporter: What are the challenges you face?
Chief Chef: To know how many people to cook and to serve for while at the kitchen.

Reporter: How do people like your food?
Chief Chef: It depends, maybe some don’t like it or the quantity, because we give the amount that is enough for the pupil to avoid lack of concentration.

Reporter: Do you have a team in the kitchen?
Chief Chef: Yes of course, it consists of four to five people.

Reporter: How does the team arranges itself in the kitchen?
Chief Chef: We divide ourselves in groups in order to manage our time in a good way.

Reporter: Do you also participate in home chores?
Chief Chef: Yes of course, because I like cooking so much and that’s why I mostly cook at home as well.

Reporter: Approximately how long does it take to prepare everything that is expected for the school in one day?
Chief Chef: We have a co-operative team. We take 1 hour to prepare everything and to start to prepare the break and the lunch we take roughly 2 hours.

Reporter: It was a great pleasure having you in this interview. Thank you.
Chief Chef: You’re welcome.

Chief Abinayo in front of his kitchen.

After lunch

There is still a lot of work after everybody was eating.

The kitchen team help in cleaning the dishes. They do quickly because the next group comes and eat next. They enjoy the team work.

Utensils are kept here so that the next group can get served easily.

After washing the utensils, they are arranged in the store.

The Problem of Plastic at the Beach and Everywhere

Written by Nice-View-Reporter on February 8, 2019. Posted in Ecology.

We started walking around our village and talked with some of our neighbours. We found out that people produce lots of garbage and they often throw the plastic waste on the ground.

A reason for this could be that almost nobody knows the Kwale Plastic Plus point, so they don’t know where to dispose of their plastic waste.

Our neighbours gave us their ideas on how to improve the garbage situation. For example collecting the garbage and storing it always at the same place so that the government can take care of it. Also education is an important point to be able to change the waste problem in the future.

Then we went to the beach to join Werner and Isabelle.

We met a fisherman collecting fish food. He always sees a lot of plastic waste in the sea while fishing.

They told us that they clean the beach every Wednesday, but if there is a lot of plastic waste they have to clean the beach every day. They also told us that sometimes they find people who want to help, but most aren’t interested in cleaning the environment.

Today was our first experience joining the beach cleaning group. We can encourage you, if you have never participated, to join the group every Wednesday. It is to enhance cleanliness in the country and the society.

Instead of burning, burying or throwing plastic bottles anywhere, we can reuse them. A good example is the bottle house we have in Nice View.

Nowadays there’s a lot of research on alternatives for plastic. Some of them are chicken feathers, liquid wood and glass. It’s very important to replace plastic because it pollutes the environment for more than 1000 years.

If you are interested on this topic you can follow the next links to get more informations.

Internet-Links

Mbuyu Beach Bungalows

PolyWaste provides Environmentally friendly recycling of PE and HDPE products, in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

UN Environment is the environment related department of the United Nations.

Interview with Teacher Mr. Abdallah

Written by Nice-View-Reporter on February 8, 2019. Posted in Education, Professions.

Every morning, Mr. Abdallah comes to work at Nice View Gratitude school.

At the gate, Mr. Abdallah is greeted by the security officer before heading to the staff room.

After greeting his fellow teachers, he signs the clocking-in and -out book.

Before attending his classes he shares a word with his fellow teachers concerning the previous classes.

He makes sure his teaching documents like the register, the lesson plan, schemes of work and records of work covered are all updated.

After teaching he uses the last ten minutes to attend to the weak learners.

At his free time he likes reading novels – for pleasure and to increase his level of vocabulary. He is also a football fanatic, so when the clock strikes 3.10 he takes his students to the football field for practice.

After the game at 5.30 he checks if his class is in order before he is free to go home.