wfn.org | Gift to establish printing operation at Africa University

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Feb. 2 1999	Contact: Linda Green*(615)742-5470*Nashville, Tenn.
10-71B{062}

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)--A prominent United Methodist layman, has made a
commitment of $100,000 to help establish a university press at Africa
University in Mutare, Zimbabwe. 

Edward Fry,  a retired education professor at Rutgers University, where he
developed teaching material for elementary and secondary schools, made the
donation along with his time and his publishing expertise to establish a
publishing operation at the university. The announcement of the gift was
made by Neil M. Alexander, president and publisher of the United Methodist
Publishing House Feb. 2.

Africa University, which opened in 1992 after being authorized by the
church's 1988 General Conference, is the first fully accredited private
institution in Zimbabwe.  It is also the only United Methodist-related,
degree-granting university in Africa.

"Dr. Fry is a creative thinker with a background of experience and
accomplishments that make him a very fine partner," said Alexander.  "We at
the United Methodist Publishing House are committed to working with Dr. Fry
and Africa University to help establish a publishing operation that is
sustainable for the long term and fully in accord with their interests and
mission."

Dr. Fry has a keen interest in Africa University, having some years ago had
a Fulbright Lectureship in Education at the University of Zimbabwe.  He
recognizes the urgent need for affordable textbooks in that country.  Most
books currently come from the United States or Britain and are very
expensive.  Since the cost of one textbook can equal one-third the cost of a
semester in the dorm, many teachers type manuscripts and then photocopy them
for their students. 

In connection with the development of teaching materials, Fry also worked
with the University of Cambridge Press in publishing materials for teachers.
His book, How to Teach Reading, was originally written for use in the Peace
Corps but is now used widely in the United States by teachers, parents, and
volunteer tutors.  Currently he serves as a consultant and operates his own
educational publishing company in Laguna Beach, California.  

"We have come to understand that the need for affordable textbooks as well
as hardware and software that will prove reliable and useful to produce such
texts is most pressing," said Alexander.  "We are grateful for the vision
that Dr. Fry is helping to shape as well as his spirit of generosity in the
gift of both money and expertise."

# # #
NOTE: Information for this story was provided by the Rev. Judith Smith,
director of special projects and church and public relations for the United
Methodist Publishing House.

______________
United Methodist News Service
http://www.umc.org/umns/
newsdesk@umcom.umc.org
(615)742-5472