This is the last of a four-part series highlighting students and alumni of Africa University. You'll hear in their own words how Africa University has made a difference in their lives.
To say my time at Africa University (AU) was a rollercoaster would be an understatement. It was a time of ups, downs, plateaus and ultimately, success and reward. In 2008, I was young and naïve. I had never been away from my parents for more than a week. If I did, it was in the company of trusted relatives and friends. All my experiences up to that point had been molded and guided by my parents. I left home for my studies at AU at a time that Zimbabwe was going through its most challenging time both economically and politically. We only heard of Africa University from other people who had either visited briefly or been told of it by someone else. I remember the journey to AU as we drove into the campus for the first time. My parents, who were about to leave their last born in a place they themselves knew little about were anxious about my safety. But I settled at AU and anxiety gave way to happiness and optimism.
I come from a mixed family with my father hailing from Ghana and my mother from Zimbabwe. Growing up, I often felt like the odd one out. My father's accent and skin tone that he passed onto his children, are a sure give away as to our heritage. Many found it difficult to understand so I felt I belonged to two nations, I was a Ghanaian and a Zimbabwean rolled into one. I longed for a place where I would not be seen as a stranger or "alien". I was attracted by the rumors I had heard of the international status of AU. It was as though I was in a little Africa, a completely different world where so many languages and cultures mixed freely. It was a place I quickly came to realize that diversity was welcomed. It was a place where black versus white did not exist, it was a kaleidoscope of color! I knew then that I was exactly where God had intended me to be.
Six years down the line, I realized that the very diversity I grew up in was nurtured and encouraged at AU. This has left me with a view of a world that does not discriminate against race, ethnicity and language. To develop and nurture this worldview is a gift that I owe to Africa University. After attaining ,y master's degree in London I have done exactly what I always said I would, that I would return to Africa to try and make a difference; to give back. This is truly a philosophy I believe in and that I live by every day. Africa University will forever hold a special place in my heart and in my own little way I am helping her keep the dream alive.
Africa University yearbook
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.
