Africa U. to celebrate 20 years of progress

Where are they now?

One of the goals of Africa University has been for its graduates to go back into their communities and use their education to improve the lives of as many as possible. Like a single tree providing fruit for many, Africa University graduates are able to "pay it forward" with the knowledge they've gained. The following provides a sample of many Africa University graduates having a positive impact on the continent.

The Rev. Joao Sambo (Mozambique), pastor of Liberdade United Methodist Church in Maputo, Mozambique, and recently appointed as The United Methodist Church Mozambique's Flood Relief Task Force coordinator. Bachelor of divinity, 2007.

Dr. Tshiani Kasombo (Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC) is the medical superintendent at the Nyadire Mission Centre in rural Zimbabwe. Master's degree in public health, 2007.

The Rev. Tolbert Thomas Jallah, (Liberia) secretary general of the Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches of West Africa. Master's in peace and governance, 2006.

Alima Hussein, (Mozambique) principal adviser, Government Relations for Rio Tinto Coal, Mozambique. Bachelor of business studies (Management), 2005.

Martha Mutisi, (Zimbabwean but based in Durban, South Africa) Manager of the Interventions Department of ACCORD (African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes). Master's in peace and governance, 2004.

The Rev. Mazvita Margaret Machinga (Zimbabwe) is engaged with mental health support, pastoral care and counseling services at the community level and active in prison ministry. She is an ordained deacon and earned her doctorate in pastoral care and counseling at Claremont School of Theology in 2010. Bachelor of education degree, 2000.

Steven Mutsongodza (Zimbabwe) founded First Class Academy, a school for high school seniors in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Bachelor of education degree, 1999.

Zivayi Nengomasha (Zimbabwe) is director of programs and planning for ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) Africa Regional Office. She is the former country director of ADRA Zimbabwe and took over the regional post in April 2012. Bachelor's degree in agriculture and natural resources, specializing in animal science. She is one of the pioneering graduates in 1994.

*Gilbert is a multimedia reporter for the young adult content team at United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tenn. She is part of a team traveling to attend the March 22-24 celebration and will be reporting on those events in the coming weeks.

News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or [email protected].