Monday, July 7, 2008

YOU can make higher education possible!

Reflecting back to my college graduations, I am thankful that I had the resources available to attend college and obtain a higher education. Having a Master’s in Communication has opened many doors for me – ones that would not have been available if I didn’t have the education.

But for many, resources are not always available. For example, in Niger, Africa, over 80 percent of the population is illiterate. Similarly, in Egypt, Africa, approximately 40 percent of the population is illiterate. This is astounding and heartbreaking.

However, as United Methodists, we have the opportunity to change those illiteracy rates! In June, Africa University graduated 354 students from 16 African countries. Your gifts to the Africa University Fund apportionment make higher education possible for students in Africa. These students are the future of Africa and you are making that future a reality.

“This year's graduating class increased the number of Africa University alumni to more than 2,600. Africa University graduates are at work as agriculturalists, pastors, educators, businesspeople, health workers and other professionals in communities across sub-Saharan Africa.

“Founded by The United Methodist Church in 1992, Africa University was the first private university to open in Zimbabwe. It has an annual full-time student population of 1,300.” – Andra Stevens, Director of Africa University’s Office of Public Information.

Our gifts together are making a monumental impact on the future of Africa. YOU are helping to make waves of change. WE are transforming lives.

Knowing this, how can I say “No, I choose not to give and make a better future for those in Africa?” I know I can’t.


--Tracy Wood, Web Coordinator, Connectional Giving Team, United Methodist Communications