Africa University Today - Winter 2020

A new dormitory, built with the support of Highland Park United Methodist Church (HPUMC), is now home to more than 130 female students at Africa University. The facility is one of two HPUMC-funded infrastructure projects at the institution’s main campus at Old Mutare, Zimbabwe.

With the existing dormitories at full capacity last August, more than 300 students—83 percent of them undergraduate women—had no option but to live off-campus. The new dormitory, completed in mid-January, has enabled many students to move onto the campus.

Among them is second-year student Munashe Foroma, the resident assistant (RA) assigned to the new dormitory. She is thrilled that her daily commute is over. “The new hostel has great facilities…The space is clean and lovely and just feels like a home away from home,” said Foroma.

HPUMC announced the $2 million gift in March 2016, during Africa University’s 25th anniversary celebrations. It is the largest gift to date from a congregation and the most substantial investment in student services infrastructure at Africa University in more than a decade. The church designated the funds to build the women’s dormitory and complete phase two of the student union building.

“To see the dorm and to open it to students brings unimaginable joy to us,” said George Miti, the university’s dean of students. He described the facility as first-rate and its impact as deeply meaningful to a grateful campus community.

“Given HPUMC’s long term support of students through scholarships, it is a dream come true to be able to support students in a new way,” said Lisa Tichenor, a member of the congregation and chair of the AU Tennessee corporation. M

arti Benson, an architect and member of the HPUMC congregation, provided input in designing the buildings and helped to supervise construction.

“It is the greatest joy, not only for me but for the congregation as a whole, to see the excitement of the students, their happiness and the reinforcement of their faith in God as they enjoy the benefits of safe and comfortable housing while getting their education at Africa University,” said Benson. H

Ms. Lisa Tichenor visits with some of the occupants of the new, HPUMC-funded dormitory.