This translation is not completely accurate as it was automatically generated by a computer.
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By Sharai Nondo*
11:00 A.M.ET June 19, 2012 | MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS)
Chiedza Dziva, best overall 2012 graduating student at Africa
University, receives congratulations from commencement speaker Geoffrey
Onyeama. UMNS photos courtesy of Africa University.
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In the 2012 graduating class at Africa University in Zimbabwe, Chiedza Dziva and seven other women finished at the top in fields ranging from business to agriculture.
In most African cultures, education for women has not been a top
priority, but at this United Methodist-related university it has been a
goal for the past 20 years.
“It feels like a miracle that I passed not only top of my class,
but overall best student at Africa University,” said Dziva. “I am
greatly honored to be leading the light to my fellow sisters out there
as women continue to make strides in business, politics and various
other areas of expertise.”
More than 400 students graduated from the United Methodist-related
university, June 9, becoming the institution’s 18th group of graduates
since it was founded in 1992. The university is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
In the class of 2012, 116 received master’s degrees and 284
bachelor’s degrees. Of the graduating class, 48 percent were female, a
demonstration of the high commitment that Africa University has to
maintaining gender equity in its student body.
Dziva’s future plans include a career in accounting or a graduate degree in finance.
The commencement speaker, Geoffrey Onyeama, an official with the
World Intellectual Property Organization, told the graduates to use
their imagination, innovation and creativity to become the next
generation of entrepreneurs.
He told the students that a philosopher once said imagination is
more important than knowledge. “I believe you young graduates should
embrace this school of thought as Africa’s future leaders.”
Dziva feels the university has trained her to be an entrepreneur.
She was a member of the Students in Free Enterprise, the League of
Entrepreneurs, and Baobab – clubs at Africa University that seek to
empower and impart entrepreneurship to young people. She believes the
charge by Onyeama to lead, innovate and create is timely.
There was no shortage of congratulatory hugs and smiles during the June
9th commencement ceremony that also marked the 20th anniversary of
Africa University.
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“I think as leaders, we should set a good example and be able to be
masters of our own destiny. The onus is on us to be innovative and
create a good economic foundation for ourselves and those who will come
after us,” she said.
Macmillan Zingoni was also at the top of her class, earning a
degree in agribusiness from the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural
Resources. She said that for a long time, women were marginalized in
the sciences, and her achievements are an illustration of what women
and girls can do once given the opportunity.
Pan African institute
Africa University is a Pan African institute, and two more of the
class of 2012 came from the new nation of South Sudan, which just won
its independence last year.
“It means a lot for me to have this degree,” said Bill Wan Yual
Dhuor, who graduated with a degree in humanities and social sciences.
“I am from the South Sudan and I thank God for this opportunity at
Africa University. This journey has opened my eyes and I will continue
to cherish it.”
Dhuor hopes to return to the South Sudan and in his own way, help in the reconstruction of the young nation.
Fellow countryman Majok Majok, who graduated with a degree in
social sciences, said the degree from Africa University has given him
hope. Majok also wants to return home.
“Just getting this education that some of the South Sudanese are
not able to get at this time makes me have hope in a lot of things.
Hope that other young persons like me can achieve their dreams and hope
that we will be able to build a new South Sudan which is peaceful.
“A lot of times, you have so many talents, but I think what lacks
in most people is the courage and confidence to take a hold of those
dreams and make them a reality. Most people want to remain in their
safe zones, but I think we have a responsibility to be bold and to do
something different,” Majok said.
The vice chancellor of Africa University, Fanuel Tagwira, urged the graduates to go out and make positive contributions to society as responsible citizens.
“Let this not be the end of learning. Make this the beginning. A
scholar called Alvin Toffler said the illiterate of the 21st century
will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot keep
learning, unlearning and relearning.
“Go out to your respective countries and be good ambassadors of Africa University,” he said.
*Nondo is director in the office of information and public affairs at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe.
News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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