wfn.org | [UMNS-ALL-NEWS] UMNS# 370-Africa University issues urgent plea for funding

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Africa University issues urgent plea for funding

>Sep. 5, 2008

NOTE: Photographs are available at http://umns.umc.org.

MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS)-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.

"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
<https://www.support-africauniversity.org/NETCOMMUNITY/SSLPage.aspx?pid=
202&srcid=221> 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.

>********************

United Methodist News Service Photos and stories also available at: http://umns.umc.org

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