In commemoration of the Men’s Health Awareness Month, Africa University (AU) convened a Men’s Wellness workshop on in November on campus. Organized by the Human Resources Office, the workshop enlightened men on various issues including prostate health.
Men’ Health Attendance is Encouraging
AU’s Vice Chancellor Rev. Professor Peter Mageto, who was in attendance, was happy with the resounding turnout of men at the workshop. He applauded such initiatives stating that, “we are within our strategic plan, we are driven by ‘Our People, Our Values’. We are interested in our well-being. One of our strategic goals is to empower staff and one of the ways to do it is by providing an opportunity for healthy living!”
Dr. Muputa, a renowned Urologist, graced the occasion and touched on issues around understanding prostate health, early detection and prevention in his presentation. He delved into all the intricate details and took his time to walk the men in attendance through the process of how the prostate functions, prostate enlargement, what to expect as one advances in age.
He encouraged the men to encourage each other to go for check-ups, embrace treatment and normalize talking about prostate health. “I am honored to be presenting to men at the university and highlight areas where they need to look into from a Urology perspective. It was quite an engaging interaction talking about the myths and conditions affecting them when it comes to prostate health and prostate cancer,” Dr. Muputa said, adding that: “There are areas we can collaborate with the university to do more research on men’s health.
Cimas Health Group (Cimas), provided free prostate cancer screening on the sidelines of the men’s wellness workshop. CIMAS Manicaland Regional Manager, Mr. Thando Vushe expressed gratitude for the opportunity to partner AU for the wellness workshop.
“We are here to support the ‘Movember’ wellness drive and encourage men to take care of their ‘tools’,” Vushe said. “We are happy that the university is taking the initiative and that our stakeholders are seeing the importance of educating their staff on prostate health and wellness.” he added.
Information and Knowledge is Key to Overall Health Issues
Echoing the same sentiments, Rev. Prof Mageto emphasized on the need to “have our people access information, knowledge and practices,” hinting on the potential of collaborating with experts on research and innovation around men’s health.
AU’s Counsellor, Mr. Leslie Chiuswa, also gave an eye-opening presentation on Mental and Emotional Wellbeing: Breaking the Silence.
In line with the institution’s Strategic Plan, staff wellness is at the core of Africa University and this men’s wellness workshop comes hard on the heels of a women’s wellness workshop that empowered staff and students with various information on womanhood and women’s health.
AU’s Assistant Registrar Human Resources & Administration, Mr. Tarisai Chimbandi, was elated at the success of the workshop with more than three quarters of the male workforce heeding the call to attend the wellness workshop. “Our male community is increasingly recognizing the importance of prioritizing their health and overall well-being,” he said.
The workshop provided a safe and informative platform for men to delve into issues of prostate and health issues.
“This is a very informative, interesting and refreshing workshop. As men, such opportunities are few and far between. We thank the university for providing such an opportunity and platform. It is my hope that we continue having more and more of these wellness workshops,” Mr. Godfrey Mudiwa, an ICT Technician, said.
Africa University’s mandate to its staff members is to ensure not only a healthy and safe working environment, but also to encourage good and healthy practices. The wellness workshop is part of initiatives by the Human Resources Office to make sure that staff are healthy and motivated to serve AU passionately and diligently.
Your Generous Support Helps Educate Africa
By supporting the Africa University Fund apportionment, you help provide financial support for the general operating expenses of Africa University. This university helps empower students from across the continent of Africa to give back to their individual countries on their return home. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Africa University Fund at 100 percent.
Africa University website
This story shows the impact of the Africa University Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to equip new generations of leaders for the African continent. Your church’s giving supports Africa University in Zimbabwe, where students from across Africa receive higher education rooted in faith, excellence, and service. Together, we help shape leaders who transform their nations and communities.
When your church supports the Africa University Fund, you empower students to become changemakers grounded in hope and faith.
