Africa University issues urgent plea for funding
Africa University students study in a science lab at
the United Methodist-related school in Mutare, Zimbabwe. A UMNS file
photo by Mike DuBose. |
Sept. 5, 2008 | MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS)
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Fanuel Tagwira reports in April on the school's status before the 2008 United Methodist General Conference. A UMNS
file photo by John C. Goodwin.
|
Operating amid economic and political turmoil in Zimbabwe, Africa
University has issued an urgent plea for United Methodist congregations
to fulfill their 2008 financial obligations to the school.
Fanuel Tagwira, interim vice chancellor of the United
Methodist-related university, made the plea Sept. 3 in a letter
addressed to United Methodist leaders across the globe.
"As I write you, our 1,300 students are on the campus of Africa
University for the 2008/2009 academic year. … While Africa University
has not missed a day of classes during this difficult time, we are now
facing a crisis," Tagwira wrote.
The core of the university’s worsening financial situation is
Zimbabwe’s hyperinflation, tagged by the government at a rate of 11
million percent in June. The country’s currency loses value by the hour
on many days.
One key source of financial support comes from a special United
Methodist churchwide fund that levies an apportionment to congregations.
In 2008, that fund’s target is $2.5 million.
Tagwira is urging congregations to pay their entire Africa University
apportionment early to help the university through the crisis.
"As our reserve accounts dwindle as a result of the nation’s dire
economic situation, we need your immediate financial support through the
apportionments that come from the Africa University fund," Tagwira
wrote.
Beacon of hope
Since opening in 1992, Africa University has produced more than 2,700
graduates who now work as agriculturalists, pastors, educators,
businesspeople, health workers and other professionals in communities
across sub-Saharan Africa. Students this year come from 22 African
countries, with about 70 percent on financial aid or full scholarships.
The private school has been the only one of the country's 12
institutions of higher education to stay open throughout the nation's
crisis. It also partners in an off-campus daily feeding program,
providing meals for 5,000 vulnerable children including many AIDS
orphans.
Tagwira said the university has altered its billing practices because of out-of-control inflation.
In a separate letter sent in July, he told students, parents and
guardians they would have to make monthly payments for tuition and room
and board instead of paying once a semester.
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More than 350 students from 16 African countries graduate in June. A UMNS file photo by Andra Stevens.
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"We know this creates a hardship for our Zimbabwean students and their
parents, but in the current environment, we believe this is the best way
to move forward," Tagwira wrote in his Sept. 3 letter to supporters.
"We are conserving financial resources in every possible way. We have
continued to meet our payroll, pay our bills and serve our community
and continent. Nonetheless, we have been forced to deplete our reserve
funds to meet day-to-day obligations."
No reserves
At one time, the school had $1.7 million in reserves, but that money
had to be tapped, according to James Salley, associate vice chancellor
of institutional advancement for the Africa University Development
Office in Nashville, Tenn.
"Essentially speaking, we don't have reserves—nothing to fall back
on—other than the apportionments," Salley told United Methodist News
Service.
The school's operating budget is $4 million annually in U.S. dollars,
with about half coming from apportionments. Apportionments are
contributions of 29 cents per member requested from each United
Methodist church in the United States. Student fees, other contributions
and earnings from a $43 million U.S.-based endowment make up most of
the rest of the budget.
"What we do is a juggling act on a daily basis in taking care of
day-to-day operational needs," Salley said. "…If we did not have the
benefit of the apportioned funds in a hyperinflation environment, we
would not be able to operate on a daily basis. It's just that simple."
Tagwira's letter to school supporters was dispatched as leaders of
the Africa University Development Office gathered in Tennessee for
annual meetings. The week culminates Sept. 6 when its advisory
development committee convenes in Nashville.
"(The budget) is our priority item," Salley said. "… We are reasoning
together about strategies and ways that the board of the development
committee can assist the institution in continuing to make payroll."
Financial support and prayers
Despite Zimbabwe's struggles, Tagwira told supporters that Africa University is navigating the difficulties "exceedingly well."
"During this extraordinary time in Zimbabwe, we are committed to do
everything we can to meet our mission to provide a quality education
within a Pan-African context. Our campus is safe. Our faculty is well
qualified and respected around the world. Our students are dedicated to
learning and excited to be in school," he wrote in his letter.
"Along with your financial support, we ask for your prayers, for our
university, and for our nation as it struggles to find its way during
this season of unease."
To contribute to Africa University, visit the Africa University Development Office Web site or call its Nashville office at (615) 340-7348.
*This story was based in part on a news release by the United Methodist Office of Public Information.
Video Interview with Fanuel Tagwira
“We face a number of problems.”
“Zimbabwe’s safe…Zimbabwe’s peaceful.”
“There’s a new day coming for Zimbabwe.”
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Resources
Africa University
Africa University Development Office
Letter from Fanuel Tagwira | 
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