wfn.org | Africa University's new Nichols chair sharpens girls' math skills

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

Oct. 6, 1999  News media contact: Linda Green*(615)742-5470*Nashville, Tenn.
10-31-71B{511}

By Andra Stevens*

MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) -- Africa University is reaching out to girls in
primary and secondary schools with an initiative aimed at improving their
mathematics skills and increasing their appreciation of math as a subject.
    
The initiative marks the beginning of a major research and outreach effort
under the auspices of the Bishop Roy C. Nichols and Dr. Ruth Nichols Chair
of Education in the university's faculty of education. The initiative's
long-term goal is to improve career prospects and participation for women in
math-related professions and especially in fields traditionally dominated by
men.
    
In June 1997, United Methodist congregations in the Western Pennsylvania
Annual (regional) Conference made a gift of $500,000 to establish an endowed
chair of education at Africa University in honor of Bishop Roy C. and Ruth
Nichols. 

The resources of the Nichols chair will help the United Methodist-related
university in approach issues related to education on the continent of
Africa in a holistic, culturally sensitive and effective manner, the school
said. The university expects to make a substantial contribution to education
theory and practice and the experience of learning in African institutions.
    
Indira Chacko of India was appointed to the Nichols chair last June. 

Since her appointment, the professor has been doing research on Mutare's
schools and their students. 

"My thrust is on mathematics education for both primary and secondary school
levels, and I intend to contribute to the improvement of teaching and
learning mathematics," she said.  

Chacko brings teaching and research experience gained by working at
universities in Nigeria and Papua New Guinea.

"Female students in developing countries have lagged behind in most
mathematics classes, yet that has nothing to do with aptitude," she said.
"The answer lies in being able to use women role models to motivate these
girls to like mathematics and jobs usually labeled as men's domain."

Chacko's presence is already being felt in the area of teaching at the
university, said James Quarshie, dean of the faculty (department) of
education. She is teaching courses in instructional technology and computing
and research methods to education students in the bachelor of arts degree
program. 

"Students respond very favorably to her," Quarshie said. "There is no doubt
she will be a good role model for female students in the university as well
as in schools."
    
The establishment of the Nichols chair of education, the first to be fully
endowed in the faculty, was an outstanding contribution, said university
President Rukudzo Murapa. "It enables Africa University to positively impact
the lives of thousands of African children as it trains men and women to
teach, develop curriculum and manage schools, and (it) enhances the body
knowledge on teaching and learning in Africa."
    
The chair cements a strong relationship between the university and the
Nichols. The bishop believed the time was ripe for doing things for the
continent, often stating that "God has called Africa to its rightful place
... it is Africa's time now."

He teamed with fellow church leaders from the United States and Africa.
Together, they pushed for establishing a United Methodist-supported
university that would serve Africa's young people. Nichols was in the
forefront of the "Africa initiative," which led to approval of the project
by the denomination's General Conference in 1988 and the opening of Africa
University in 1992.
    
As chairperson of the Africa University Development Committee from 1992 to
1997, Nichols played a critical role in the institution's growth from the
beginning.
    
"The Lord God gave us an enduring pillar of support in the bishop, for
without him ours would not have been the vibrant, international institution
it is today, " Murapa said.
    
Nichols suffered a stroke earlier this year. While he was still
recuperating, he sent a gift of three of his books and word that he would
donate his personal library to Africa University. He included a note in
which he said he offered his gift in appreciation for "the encouragement,
prayers and blessings he received from the university community during these
days of recovery."
     
The books, a collection of more than 500 titles, arrived from California in
September and are being processed for entry into the library holdings.
    
"This is a very fine, scholarly collection that shows a keen mind and
extremely eclectic interests," said Bilha Pfukani, the university librarian.

The collection offers titles in theology, history, gender, business, and
African-American history and literature as well as some reference materials.
Included is a rich selection of original manuscripts sent to Nichols over
the years by emerging indigenous leaders of the African church.
     
Africa University currently has 858 students, who represent 17 countries.
The university offers three- and four-year bachelor's degrees in five
faculties: agriculture and natural resources, education, humanities and
social sciences, management and administration, and theology. The school
also offers master's degrees in theological studies and business
administration.

# # #

Editor's note for optional inclusion with story: For information about any
of the university's programs, contact the Africa University Information
Office at PO Box 1320, Mutare, Zimbabwe. Telephone: (263 20) 60075 or 60026;
fax: (263 20) 61785; e-mail:auinfo@internet.co.zw.

*Stevens is director of information at Africa University.

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