Inauguration Weekend (Part 1)

What a privilege to be at AU during the celebration of the Inauguration of the new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Munashe Furusa!  Preparations began months ago, inviting many visitors, dignitaries of both UMC and government, sprucing up the grounds, setting up the programs, inviting special speakers, etc.!  Forty-three of the VC's family were here to participate in the celebration, including his mother, whom I had the privilege of meeting.  What a proud Mama she is!!

The AU Volunteer in Mission members helped spruce up the Chapel by cleaning the floor, windows, woodwork, altar area, etc.  It was clear from the debris on the floor and the rags used to wash the windows that it was due for a good cleaning!  And it really sparkled for the special Sunday morning worship.






AU Board members arrived on Mon. and Tues. of the week of March 16, and were in committee and full Board meetings all day Wed. and Thurs.

Fri. afternoon began with presentations from three outstanding alumni.  Ms. Ngonidzashe Chirima, 2001, is now a lecturer at AU in Accounting!  She urged students to work for a "united" Africa,  and pointed out that a "United States of Africa" would be U.S.A.!!!

Rev. Antonio Volanculo, 2008, from Mozambique, asked "What is the best time to plant a tree?"  The BEST time to plant a tree was really 15 years ago!  The second best time is NOW!  He urged students not to reinvent the wheel, but to make small changes that will bring hope and move Africa forward.

Mrs. Mercy Chikhosi Nyirongo, 2010 Master's in Public Health, is currently the Country Coordinator in Malawi for the ZOE project.  This is a program that empowers orphans, ages 14-20, with skills such as tailoring, baking, carpentry, hair dressing, welding and bicycle repair, and how to make sleeping mats from plastic garbage bags!!  By using local resources, these children are learning how to survive and flourish where they are!

These presentations were followed by speakers from other Zimbabwe institutions of higher learning, speaking to the theme," Enhancing Africa's Renewal Through Student Success."

I was most impressed by Prof. Hope Sadza, the VC of Women's University.  She has long been a leader for gender equity and equal access for women in higher education.  Women currently make up less than 30% of university faculties; and many leadership positions in government no longer have women representatives.  She stated that female students are better at interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts which makes them more effective and leads to their success!  Students at Women's University range in age from 26-72; and their main effort is to make an education accessible to all!

Prof. Ranga gave an emphatic "YES" that Africa needs renewal!  Facts of interest:
     Africa is the oldest continent with population ~
     It's the second largest continent, and the second most populated ~
     It has 10,000 different groups and languages ~
     It has lots of natural resources ~~ Nigeria is the 4th largest exporter of oil ~
     25 million plus are HIV positive ~
     70% are under the age of 25 !!!!!!!!!!!!!  Just think of the implications of this!!

Prof. Magwa spoke about the $15 billion that the continent is paying in debt services!  Since 2012, 28% of the continent is in debt to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, meaning that conditions are now worse than they were during colonialism.  He commended Africa University for being a model of internationalizing education to prepare graduates for the international market.  (I'm reminded of the UMW study some years ago about "globalization" and its implications.)

And finally, Prof. Muzvidziwa spoke about the need to "re-brand" universities and what is taught, and that what is taught must be relevant.  He urged students to document more success stories, to put pen to paper, and to sing and dance their stories!!

Friday ended with a Cultural Gala at Queen's Hall in Mutare!  Various international groups from campus provided singing, poetry and dancing from their indigenous areas.  A wide variety of international foods were offered by the women from various Faculties during intermission.  A good time was had by all!!!