This translation is not completely accurate as it was automatically generated by a computer.
Powered by
A UMNS Report
By Sharai Nondo*
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.
View in Photo Gallery
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.
View in Photo Gallery
‘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.
About UMC.org
RSS Feed
Press Center
Contact Us