Africa University Today — Winter 2021
Alumni Profile: Allen Zomonway
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llen Zomonway, a registered nurse and the hospital administrator at Ganta United Methodist Mission in Liberia, holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from AU. He recently earned a master’s degree in Leadership from Oklahoma City University in the United States. Liberia’s already-high unemployment rate has been compounded by the pandemic. Focusing on community health, Allen ensures that the entire staff, from medical doctors to cleaners, continue to navigate the challenges presented by this pandemic. As of January 15, 2021, Worldometer reported Liberia having 1,878 cases, 84 deaths, with 1,170 recoveries. As COVID-19 cases are diagnosed, patients are referred to county health isolation centers. “Diversified support,” Zomonway said, “has helped strengthen our infection prevention and control measures, positioning Ganta Hospital as a providential safety net.” However, in the last few months, the
pandemic has increased the shortage of infection prevention control supplies, especially gloves and masks. “These supplies are being searched for from individuals because they are no more available in the pharmacies,” he explained. “If they are found the cost is four times the original price. “Most hospitals are practically not functioning because of the shortage of medicine and medical supplies. Ganta Hospital is still active because we have a strong drug revolving fund that the government and other private hospitals are learning from us. This is strictly keeping the fund for medicines and medical supplies for that purpose.”
Furusa Inspired Students, Staff...continued.
Africa University, but also to the broader academic circle of Zimbabwe. His exemplary career path and his contributions to the Africa University community will serve as an inspiration to the staff, students and alumni who were fortunate enough to have benefited from his leadership — more so, the alumni from Kenya-Ethiopia Annual Conference. Alumnus Anderson Ilunga Nkimba Nkasa of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, agreed. “As the entire African continent community, we mourn this loss of one of Africa’s precious sons, who advocated for the education and the training of African young leaders for the future sustainability of African development,” he said. Furusa was buried in his home village of Nhema in Shurugwi in southern Zimbabwe. He is survived by his wife, Zanele, daughter Charlotte and sons Osborne, Tanaka and Munashe (Junior).
university’s deputy vice chancellor. “As we mourn a great leader who inspired, motivated and moved all of us to become the best versions of ourselves, we cherish the memories, transformative work and powerful moments that we were honored to share with him,” he said. The Rev. Greg Bergquist, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, called Furusa “an extraordinary champion for educational access and an important voice for United Methodistrelated higher education.” Alumni offered their condolences. Gad Maiga, who graduated from Africa University in 2016, described Furusa as “a shining star.” “He was an incredible asset not only to
Eveline Chikwanah and Kathy L. Gilbert, UM News, Jan. 14, 2021, with Barbara Dunlap-Berg
Hospital Administrator Allen Zomonway and staff consider inventory at Ganta United Methodist Mission Hospital, Ganta, Liberia. Zomonway said the nurse aides, nurses and doctors are skilled and confident, building upon their experience from Ebola, coupled with their institutionalized infectionprevention and control measures.
How You Can Help ocated at Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, Africa University is an accredited United Methodist-related educational institution in Africa, established by action of the General Conference. The university offers degree programs in three colleges: Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CHANS); Business, Peace, Leadership and Governance (CBPLG); and Social Sciences, Theology, Humanities and Education (CSSTH&E). New academic programs include master’s and doctoral degree programs in military chaplaincy, migration, citizenship and refugee protection; and entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity.
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Africa University continues to be the evidence of faith, hope and belief in the visions of dreamers. Thank you for investing in changed lives and communities! Encourage your church to set a 100 percent apportionment remittance goal. Sending a portion of your goal each month makes it easier to reach full remittance by year’s end. Your church’s generosity ensures 100 percent support of Africa University’s operational budget for costs such as utilities, equipment and faculty salaries. Continued next page.
