Africa University senior and social work major Agnetha Valentine Musona, 23, is a young woman with big ideas.
Your support of the Africa University Fund apportionment supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure.
“One of my biggest long-term goals after graduation is to work hard and invest in building orphanages in at least three countries in Africa,” she said.
Thanks to a scholarship from Los Altos (California) United Women in Faith, Agnetha’s dream of going to college became a reality. She received a direct scholarship to Africa University from caring women whose love spanned the 10,000-mile distance between Los Altos and Harare.
Eighteen years ago, the women started the African Student Education Fund as direct scholarships, given annually and used immediately to help women complete undergraduate degree programs at AU. To date, direct scholarship gifts from LAUMC to Africa University total more than $561,000.
The Los Altos women recently announced a major gift of $137,000 to AU. Of the $137,000, $130,000 is designated to establish an endowed scholarship fund at AU; the remaining $7,000 is a direct scholarship gift to add one more woman to the existing roster of seven United Women in Faith-LAUMC scholars at AU. The source is the Ellen Gillis Legacy Fund, a bequest by a former member.
“Ellen Gillis was very interested education for women, a cornerstone of the United Women in Faith mission,” said Linda Miller, current African Student Education Fund lead and retired church treasurer at Los Altos UMC. “In addition to her passion for our relationship with Africa University, which she supported during her lifetime, she had a passion for the arts and art education.”
Agnetha, who is from Zimbabwe, thanked her benefactors.
“I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the generous scholarship support you have provided me over the past three years and still counting,” she wrote. “Your commitment to my education has been instrumental in my academic journey. Your scholarship has not only alleviated financial burdens but also instilled in me a sense of purpose and responsibility. Your investment in my education has empowered me to focus on my studies, explore my passions, and develop into a confident and capable lady.
“Throughout my academic tenure,” Agnetha said, “I have consistently strived for excellence, maintaining a 3.2 cumulative grade average. Your support has also enabled me to engage in some of the school clubs, including the Africa University choir, peer network club and dance club. I have also managed to join other youth charity organizations in Zimbabwe.
“As I approach graduation,” she continued, “I am filled with gratitude and appreciation for your unwavering support. Your contribution has transformed my life, and I am eager to make a positive impact in my community and beyond.”
Miller noted, “Our support of Africa University is much more than life changing,” she said. “It is world changing. Praise God! We establish this scholarship in faith and with joy, and with deep gratitude to Ellen Gillis for her generosity and trust.
“As for our ongoing support of women at Africa University,” Miller continued, “the opportunity to provide scholarship support for young women who would not otherwise be able to attend university is deeply meaningful for us. Once a year, on Africa University Scholarship Sunday, we … introduce our scholarship recipients to the congregation by sharing their thank-you letters and videos. The joy of that Sunday is something we all look forward to.”
Elalie Kambaj Tshipeng, health board coordinator for the South Congo Annual Conference in the DRC, is grateful for the gift of empowerment through LAUWF. For female students at Africa University, she said, “it serves for bridging paths to capitalizing potential otherwise denied due to financial shortage.
“When embraced with a heart of gratitude and spirit of accomplishment, the scholarship will take recipients to the world and bring the world to them accordingly.”
To the women at Los Altos UMC, she said, “May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob fill your cups in all seasons.”
story by Barbara Dunlap-Berg, freelance writer in Carbondale, Illinois.
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.
