“You are at the school of dreams in the valley of hope.”
Our tour of Africa University (AU) in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, began with these words from administrator Andra Stevens.
In early November six clergy and laypersons from the Grand Rapids District of the West Michigan Conference met with university officials and students at AU. Our goal was to determine how we might best partner with AU in order to sustain and enhance university programs.
Why Africa University?
• Africa University is a vibrant United Methodist university whose 1,200 students come from 25 countries and 85 percent of whom return to their home countries after graduation. The ability of AU to nurture ethical servant leadership, peace, and prosperity on the African continent is essential to the
welfare of the African people as well as world peace.
• By investing in the success story of Africa University, we are engaging in the transformation of governmental structures and institutions on the African continent. AU graduates are pastors, doctors, attorneys, politicians, business owners, non-profit leaders, and educators who are bringing hope to their countries.
What is AU’s greatest need?
• AU has a compelling need for a gathering place on campus where innovation and hope grow out of relationship building, dialogue, and holy conferencing among people from many nations.
