The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
AFRICA University (AU) has been hailed for the significant milestones it has achieved in advancing education for the girl child in Zimbabwe and Africa.
Speaking during the official dedication ceremony of the Bishop Tracy S. Malone Hall of Residence at the AU campus this afternoon, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said the university’s efforts compliment Government’s steadfast commitment to education for the girl child and ensuring that she is safe while receiving her education.
“The hall of residence is a testament to the unwavering commitment to the church and Government’s efforts that the girl child in Zimbabwe, Africa and beyond will be educated. The infrastructure is paving way for a future where every young women will be educated, thereby contributing to the development of the nation and world at large,” said Minister Mugadza.
The hall of residence which has the capacity to house 92 female students currently has 89 students on board.
The construction was funded by the United Methodist Church’s East Ohio Annual Conference, to the tune of US$1,5 million.
Addressing the gathering, AU Vice Chancellor, Reverend Professor Peter Mageto, thanked the East Ohio Conference for their commitment to the worthy cause that will ensure that the girl child has adequate accommodation at the university for years to come.
Visionary of the project, Bishop Malone said through building the hall of residence, the church is investing in students’ lives in Zimbabwe, Africa and the world.
“I was moved by the burden that most of the students were commuting to campus, with most of them coming from remote areas in the district. It started as a dream, but after I laid out my dream, everyone came on board and resources came. We are very grateful to everyone that donated towards this cause because today, a good number of female students can now be accommodated,” she said
