When Panashe Banda walked across the stage at Africa University to receive his diploma in June, the 24-year-old realized a dream he “only dared to imagine.”
“My life journey to Africa University was a testament of God’s grace,” he said.
Struggling daily against poverty, his mother strived to scrape together enough money for his school fees and necessities, while he lived with his maternal grandparents in Murewa.
“Each day,” he explained, “was a testimony to their resilience, and their sacrifices fueled my determination to succeed.”
When Banda completed his ordinary level, equivalent to U.S. high school graduation, the dream of continuing to advanced level seemed out of reach. The financial burden was heavy for his mother, so he herded neighbors’ cattle and worked in their fields. “I poured my heart into my studies,” he said, “and I passed with 12 points.”
A Life-Changing Opportunity
Despite this achievement, higher education felt like a distant dream. Then a life-changing opportunity came from The United Methodist Church: Through the Bishop’s Episcopal Scholarship, Banda was offered a chance to attend Africa University, fully funded.
Banda earned a Bachelor of Science honors degree in social work.
“Whether through my career, community involvement or personal actions,” Banda said, “I hope to carry forward the same spirit of generosity and purpose that the church exemplified.”
To show his gratitude, Banda has been sharing his family’s harvest with the Zimbabwe West Conference head office staff each year while pursuing his studies. That gift includes seasonal produce such as cucumbers, mangos, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, avocados, pears and mazhanje — an African wild fruit found in the forests — as well as peanut butter.
An Investment for His Future
“Reflecting on the church’s influence, I am struck by the ripple effect of its generosity,” he said. “The scholarship was not just a gift to me; it was also an investment in the future, with the potential to inspire others to give back in their own way.
“As a beneficiary of this kindness, I feel a responsibility to honor the church’s trust by using my education to contribute meaningfully to the church and society.”
He said the scholarship was more than financial aid.
“It was a lifeline and a bridge to a future I had only dared to imagine. With a heart full of gratitude and a spirit ablaze with determination, I stepped onto the campus of Africa University, carrying the love of my family and the church and an unyielding resolve to honor their faith in me.
“My journey is proof that no obstacle is too great when met with resilience, and no dream is too big when lifted by the hands of those who believe in you,” Banda said.
Banda hopes to combine community service and clinical social work.
Giving Back to the Community
“My immediate goal,” he said, “is to work with a nongovernmental organization focused on addressing social issues like poverty, gender-based violence or access to education in underserved African communities.”
According to Margaret Makadzange, Zimbabwe West associate lay leader and an Africa University board member, the episcopal scholarship assists United Methodist students “who are gifted but cannot afford education at Africa University, which is among the top universities in Zimbabwe.”
During the past eight years, the scholarship, which covers both room and board, has helped four students.
“The church’s commitment to empowering the marginalized through education has not only shaped my path but also deepened my understanding of what it means to support others,” Banda said. “The church stands as a powerful example of how faith and action can intersect to create lasting, positive change, and I am honored to have been a recipient of its generosity.
“This experience, inspired by the church’s unwavering dedication to uplifting those it serves, has left me with a lifelong commitment to giving back.”
Nhiwatiwa said the scholarships are an investment in the church’s future.
“The church has already done what is expected of a church: to have compassion,” he said. “Scholarship recipients represent a collective future.”
Your Support Can Help More Students
Your support of the Africa University Fund apportionment supports the general operating expenses of Africa University which allows scholarship funds to be used to help impoverished students.
excerpt from a story by Chenayi Kumuterera, communicator in Zimbabwe West Annual Conference.
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Africa University Fund transforms Africa by educating and empowering students from across the continent through Africa University, the first fully accredited, United Methodist-related educational institution on the continent. The Africa University Fund supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Africa University Fund at 100 percent.
