The Africa University community in April 2019 held a dedication ceremony to mark the commencement of the construction of a new farmhouse that is being sponsored by the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. The group was expected to visit the AU Mutare campus towards the end of April led by Reverend Bunny Wolfe, to assist in the construction of the farmhouse.
The dedication ceremony was attend by Africa University Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Mageto and other staff members from the different colleges and administration.
The Africa University Farm Trust comprises 200 hectares and holds a staff compliment of 33 permanent workers at present cultivating different crops that include maize, potatoes and wheat. The farm house that is to be constructed is being done in an effort to provide modern housing for the farm workers at Africa University who are employed from the surrounding area and reduce the travel burden involved in getting to the farm. Africa University recognises that agriculture is the backbone of Africa’s economy and hence it is highly imperative that the people who drive it be catered for in the best way possible.
Attendees seated at dedication ceremony for the construction of a new farmhouse. Courtesy photo.
The dedication ceremony has marked the beginning of yet another infrastructural project at Africa University following the extension of the student union building, the construction of new halls of residence as well as the palisade fence that provides an extra layer of security that encompasses the vast expanse of the university campus. Mr Machona who was the Master of Ceremonies said in his opening remarks,
“This year we praise the lord for all the infrastructure we have managed to build and we are grateful to the lord for he has blessed us with favor.”
The farm is moving with the university’s vision of transforming the institution into a world class university not only for the student experience but for its staff as well providing a safe, nurturing and encouraging environment in which they can thrive. Professor Mageto extended his gratitude to the conference during his remarks saying,
“This structure is a small seed that we will collectively continue to water through our prayers, faith and hard work. Africa University is a symbol of hope and this constriction is going to extend to the welfare of all of us”
Mr Larry Kies also spoke words of gratitude as he said,
“It takes the AU Community with our partners to build this house. We thank God and our donors for creating a facility where a family shall build memories that will forever be in their hearts.”
It is through the positive business, social and philanthropic partnerships and relationships that Africa University continues to nurture that the institution grows from strength to strength.
Expectation Mazarura, OAPA Student Development Assistant, Africa University
A World Service Special Gift is a designated financial contribution made by an individual, local church, organization, district or annual conference to a project authorized as such by the Connectional Table. Current World Service Special Gifts projects include the Africa University Endowment Fund, the Leonard Perryman Communications Scholarship for Ethnic Minority Students, the Methodist Global Education Fund, the National Anti-Gambling Project and the Lay Missionary Planting Network.
