Africa University (AU), a private United Methodist-related institution in Zimbabwe offering bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees to more than 1,200 students from 36 African countries, recently sent thank you banners to the Greater New Jersey Conference in appreciation of the unwavering support it received from those GNJ churches who participated at 100% of shared ministry.
“The foundational support [100% investment] of GNJ United Methodists is deeply valued by our students, faculty, staff and alumni, and we can’t say thank you enough,” said Andra M. Stevens, who is the director of communications at the Africa University Development Office.
The university, founded in 1992, also shared some good news with GNJ:
- Students and faculty completed the semester’s academic activities by quickly transitioning from in-person to online learning and working together to manage internet access and equipment challenges in some home/country settings.
- AU wrapped up its first-ever online only examinations period on June 5 and is preparing for the start of the new academic year in August.
- The university’s contributions to the fight against the spread of COVID-19 include the manufacture of hand sanitizer and PPEs. Africa U has developed its own disposable mask prototype for commercial production and the students are making reusable cloth masks.
- Students are also doing their part to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable families—launching successful appeals and giving up meals in order to buy food, medicine and other basics for their neighbors.
- Emmanuel Gasaba, one of two student beneficiaries of GNJ Endowed Scholarships at AU, was due to graduate June 12. Although the ceremony was postponed, Emmanuel is enthusiastically ready to improve community health.
“All of this is possible because the Greater New Jersey Conference continues to lift Africa University in prayer and invest in its ministry. You model meaningful discipleship and inspire young people to claim and work towards God’s promise of abundant life,” Stevens added.
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Africa University Fund transforms Africa by educating and empowering students from across the continent through Africa University. The Fund supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure.
For more information, visit http://africau.edu/.