On the 14th of November 2018, members of staff, students and well- wishers from the Mutare community converged at the Africa University main campus for a dedication and ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the new women's hall of residence. The project came about through the incredible contribution of the Highland Park United Methodist Church, spear headed by Mrs. Lisa Tichenor who raised a total of 2million dollars for the construction of the residence and a new student union building for the students of Africa University. The impetus behind these projects in particular originates from a desire to enhance the vision of the institution to reach worldclass status and to also provide the best possible student experience for learners.
Your support of the Africa University Fund apportionment supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure.
Professor Munashe Furusa, the Vice Chancellor of Africa University said of the love gift and ground breaking,
"Africa University is God's project and he remains faithful to us as a university through blessing us with friends and partners like Highland Park." He edified these sentiments with a reading from the scriptures of Psalms 127:1 saying, "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it". Our works are not in vain as all we do is possible only through God and constant faith in his word".
The university Chaplain Reverend Dr. Phillimon Chikafu led the crowd present in the dedication prayer and shared the sentiments of the Vice Chancellor saying,
"At a time such as this, that we are able to embark on this project is God's blessing and may He continue His great works in this place."
Also dedicated on the day were two vehicles, a Nissan Tiida Latio and a Nissan Sunny for the day to day operations within the university donated by Dr Ken Yamada of South Korea, who has left an extensive and rich legacy of giving to Africa University and numerous causes across the world. A number of buildings and structures across the university campus are a result of his contributions and tireless work including the Information and Communication Technology Building, the Agriculture building, the Jokomo Yamada Library, which is co- named in his honour, as well as the Africa University Maputo Satellite Campus.
It is through cross- cultural, cross- sectoral and strategic partnerships that Africa University continues to thrive and remains a priority interest area for giving campaigns due to its history of transparent, accountable and visionary leaders who stay true to the promise and dream of investing in Africa's future.
Jeanette Dadzie, OAPA Correspondent, Africa University website
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.
