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Students told ‘Africa needs you’

 
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3:00 P.M. EST Oct. 15, 2010 | OLD MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS)

Vice chancellor Fanuel Tagwira reports on Africa University's status before the 2008 United Methodist General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.  A UMNS file photo by John C. Goodwin.
Vice chancellor Fanuel Tagwira reports on Africa University's status before the 2008 United Methodist General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. A UMNS file photo by John C. Goodwin.
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Stay home. Serve God. Use your education to save your countries and help the continent develop.

Vice Chancellor Fanuel Tagwira drove home that message as he addressed first-year students at Africa University in Zimbabwe.

“Africa needs you,” Tagwira said. He urged the fresh crop of students to remain focused on their studies in the short term while setting their post-graduation sights on giving back to their communities, nations and the continent.

Lamenting the “brain drain” of the past, Tagwira also celebrated a “brain gain” that is beginning.

The flight of educated young Africans to Western nations has deeply hurt the continent’s efforts to move forward, especially in science and business, but change is coming, he said. Professionals are returning to help both the university and the country of Zimbabwe.

He urged the new students also to participate. “We need your knowledge and expertise to build a legacy for the future, for none but ourselves can do this for us,” Tagwira said. “Stay and remain committed to the reconstruction and rebuilding of your nations.”

‘The critical people’

Tagwira spoke not only to the Zimbabweans, but also to the students from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Angola and Mozambique whose countries are moving toward reconstruction and economic growth.

“You are the critical people your nations need to make a change.”

As their time at Africa University prepares the students academically, he said, it will also nurture their basic Christian principles.

“It is our hope that each and every one of you will emerge with a great sense of responsibility, faith and belief in God, but above all that you will be able to practice the Christian values of selflessness, commitment, servant leadership and to be other-regarding,” Tagwira said.

Alumni network

The vice chancellor praised the university’s network of more than 3,000 alumni who serve in their own nations and reach out to others, while staying connected to the Christian roots and values of Africa University.

He cited David Manyonga, a Zimbabwean and 2005 graduate of the university’s Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance. Manyonga is an adviser for the humanitarian organization MS Action Aid, headquartered in Kampala, Uganda.

Tagwira introduced another graduate of the institute, Kudzayi Mukumba, who recently began working as a United Nations volunteer in Liberia.

“I hope to connect with colleagues and other AU alumni,” said Mukumba, noting how important the group is to work throughout Africa.

“I was just thinking to myself how one should not forget to ‘entertain strangers’ as some ‘entertained angels unaware.’ I would not have imagined that these colleagues would one day be my hosts.”

The new students must continue expanding the network, Tagwira said. “You too can become a part of this dynamic chain and witness to the growth and impact of Africa University on our continent.”

More than 300 graduates receive degree certificates from Zimbabwe’s Africa University on June 12. The Class of 2010 represents 21 African countries, the most diverse graduating class in the institution’s history. A UMNS photo courtesy of Andra Stevens.
More than 300 graduates receive degree certificates from Zimbabwe’s Africa University on June 12. The Class of 2010 represents 21 African countries, the most diverse graduating class in the institution’s history. A UMNS photo courtesy of Andra Stevens.
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‘Rejoice in your diversity’

The diverse student body and faculty are a plus for the young people, Tagwira said. “This cosmopolitan campus will help you to appreciate difference and rejoice in your diversity and uniqueness.”

“Seek people who are different from you, experience their challenges and triumphs and from this, each one of you will learn the true meaning of friendship and solidarity which should remain with you for a lifetime.”

He encouraged each to learn at least one “foreign indigenous language” to help in post-graduate outreach.

The vice chancellor’s message moved the students.

“I think it’s good that people share cultures, and more importantly, I feel this university is great because it is a place where I will learn English,” said Wenguina Fonseca, a freshman management and administration student from Angola.

“I chose to come to Africa University because it is unique and different from other universities in Zimbabwe,” added Blessing Shuro, a Zimbabwean majoring in environmental studies. “At AU, I can feel like I am in many different places, while I am in Zimbabwe. I also hope I will mature and maintain good principles while I am here.”

*Nondo is program assistant in the Information and Public Affairs Office, Africa University, Old Mutare, Zimbabwe.

News media contact: Joey Butler, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 newsdesk@umcom.org.

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