Africa University perseveres in tough economic time
6/20/2003 News media contact: Tim Tanton · (615) 742-5470 · Nashville, Tenn. By Duane A. Ewers* NEW
YORK (UMNS) - Economic pressures continue to challenge Africa
University, but the United Methodist-related school is forging ahead in
its mission of educating new leaders for Africa.
"In May, 179
students from 14 countries were graduated from Africa University," said
Vice Chancellor Rukudzo Murapa. "They join with many other AU graduates
who are a proud new cadre of young men and women making a difference on
the African continent."
Murapa gave an update on the school in a
report to the Africa University Executive Committee, which met June 8-9
in New York. The committee discussed the school's situation and approved
increasing student fees in an effort to raise sorely needed funds.
New
buildings continue to be constructed to care for the expanding programs
and student body on the campus, located in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Those
include the second phase of the Jokomo/Yamada Library and the Institute
of Peace, Leadership, and Governance Building, both with funds provided
by the United States Agency for International Development, and the new
building for the Faculty of Health Sciences, with financial support from
USAID and the United Methodist Church. The new Faculty of Health
Sciences became operational in the spring.
Thanks to USAID and
the United Methodist Church, all of the buildings are debt free. USAID
has contributed $8.38 million to Africa University in the 10-plus years
since the school opened.
Murapa underscored that "the pace at
which we are able to realize these achievements is significantly
influenced by the economic constraints currently experienced in
Zimbabwe."
"In the current climate, we are being challenged to
come up with innovative ways of coping with the ever-rising prices and
cost of basic commodities, including maize meal, cooking oil, bread, as
well as fuel and medical supplies," he said. "The cost of labor has also
risen astronomically." It is also important to note that despite the
many shortages, no student is going hungry, he added.
"I am
impressed with how well Africa University has managed its budget in view
of all of the challenges it has faced in terms of inflation (275
percent) and scarcities of all kinds," said Aubrey Lucas, elected
treasurer of the Africa University board. "With good cash management,
the university has been able to end each of the last three years with a
balanced budget."
This year's budget is $5.1 million, which includes USAID support for buildings.
The
pressure on the day-to-day budget cannot be overstated, officials said.
"The salary position at Africa University has eroded compared to other
universities in Zimbabwe, resulting in the loss of some professors and
causing economic stress for others," Murapa reported.
Student
fees account for about 25 percent of the budget. To help meet the budget
crunch, the executive committee decided to increase student fees
(tuition, room-and-board, health, and registration) from U.S.$3,950 to
U.S.$5,200. Before May's graduations, the school had 1,123 students
enrolled.
The other most important source of income is from the
United Methodist Church's Africa University Fund apportionment. The fact
that apportionment giving for the fund is down 7 percent from a year
ago is causing stress on the budget.
"Given the political unrest
and the economic stress in Zimbabwe, Africa University is needed now
more than when it was founded," Lucas said. "Africa University is
strengthening human resources to address these critical issues."
"It
is clear that 10 years after its founding, Africa University continues
to be one of the denomination's most creative and faith-filled responses
to the multifaceted challenges that confront the African continent,"
said Jerome King Del Pino, top staff executive of the United Methodist
Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville, Tenn.
"In
the midst of serious economic deterioration and sociopolitical
uncertainty, the students, faculty and staff remain vigilant in pursuing
the core mission of the university: to provide the highest quality
educational experience that will make a critical difference in the
present and future development of the continent," Del Pino said. "This
is not an inconsequential enterprise, and because it is not, I am
confident that United Methodists across the world will want to continue
support with appropriate funding." # # # *Ewers is executive
director of the Office of Interpretation at the United Methodist Board
of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville, Tenn.
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