University's Pandemic-Related Efforts Recognized

Africa University (AU) is the 2021 recipient of the Jairos Jiri Humanitarian Award from the Government of Zimbabwe.

The award was presented to AU on August 9 as part of Zimbabwe's 41st Heroes Day commemoration. It recognizes AU's exceptional contributions to the fight against COVID-19 through innovation in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

When the university began manufacturing its U-Safe hand sanitizer in April 2020, sanitizer liquid was in short supply and expensive. At the same time, the World Health Organization and Africa Centers for Disease Control were promoting sanitizing one's hands regularly as one of three infection prevention measures, along with social distancing and face coverings. Frequent hand washing was advised but in many African settings, clean water is scarce resource.

With seed funding from Old Mutual Zimbabwe, AU produced an effective local alternative and donated supplies to schools, hospitals, and civic organizations throughout the country.

Africa University's U-Safe hand sanitizer is now Zimbabwe's only locally-manufactured sanitizer with 70 percent alcohol content. It is certified by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe as meeting regional and international standards.

Zimbabwe business leader and AU board member, Mr. Denias Zaranyika, was also honored. Zaranyika received the Order of Great Zimbabwe Diamond, acknowledging his work in advancing socioeconomic development in Zimbabwe. After more than two decades with the country's largest seed producer, Seed Co., Zaranyika is retiring from the role of managing director effective October 1.

Endowment Contributions Make a Lasting Impact

Do you recall receiving a gift that changed your life? Through scholarships and financial aid, many students enrolled at Africa University receive an education that changes their lives.

Many of these gifts are made possible by the university's more than 200 endowed funds.

Ms. Ruth Velma Clark made an initial gift of $1080.

The gift provided by Ruth Velma Clark, a missionary, eased the financial stress associated with paying her university fees for Laila Speillile Bumhira. Laila was able to focus on her studies and achieve academic excellence.

Class of 2021 Valedictorian, Laila Bumhira

Wesley Kuture, Africa University Office of Advancement & Public Affairs

Laila, the 2021 valedictorian, holds a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honors) degree. She received 10 awards and recognitions at graduation.

Endowed contributions made today advance our mission and will touch the lives of students we will never meet. For gifts beginning at $10,000, donors can establish named and endowed scholarships, which support the efforts of students to meet their educational goals.

Ruth Velma Clark's initial gift was $1080, to which she added new gifts each year. The endowed scholarship she established ensured a legacy of hope and transformation through beneficiaries like Laila Bumhira.

If establishing an endowment fund interests you, please let us know. Consult your attorney or financial advisor about what will be most advantageous for your charitable, estate, and tax planning.

To learn more about the many ways to support Africa University’s transforming ministry, visit the planned giving website at http://www.africau.plannedgiving.org/. Or, call or write our Director of Planned Giving, Josefa Bethea Wall, Africa University Development Office, P. O. Box 340007, Nashville, TN, 37203-0007, 615.340.7428 (office), 615.340.7290 (fax), jbetheawall@ gbhem.org. Thank you!