Campaign bears fruit: Texas UMs dedicate new health clinic in Zimbabwe Joan G. LaBarr, Jul 31, 2009
PHOTO BY JOAN LABARR
Africa University Vice Chancellor Fanuel Tagwira (left), Bishop Alfred L. Norris and Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe cut the ribbon of the Alfred L. Norris Health Center.
By Joan LaBarr Special Contributor
OLD MUTARE, ZIMBABWE—Texas United Methodists celebrated the July 16 dedication of a new health clinic at Africa University as “a place of healing—a place of wholeness.”
About 30 representatives from churches in the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church joined some 250 Africa University leaders, faculty and students and government officials for the day of ceremony and celebration.
The North Texas Conference had raised $500,000 for the clinic and another half-million for health-science scholarships in an initiative begun in 2007 by Bishop Alfred Norris and completed under Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe.
Bishop Norris, who was assigned to the conference in 2006 to fill the term of the late Bishop Rhymes H. Moncure Jr., issued the challenge to raise funds.
“Today reminds us that the One who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion,” said the Rev. Tyrone Gordon, pastor of St. Luke “Community” UMC in Dallas, who was co-chair of the North Texas Conference Bishop’s Initiative for Africa University.
Africa University is the only United Methodist institution of higher learning on the African continent. Its mission is “transforming lives, transforming Africa.”
The university describes itself as a place where “The dream is alive,” and the clinic and scholarships advance the dream of improving health care, both on campus through the clinic and on the continent of Africa through the scholarships.
The newly endowed health science scholarships have the potential to equip young people to fill the need for public health workers and nurses throughout Africa.
During the dedication ceremony, the Africa University Choir performed as young AIDS orphans being helped by the university danced to the lively music.
Dr. James Salley, Africa University’s associate vice chancellor for institutional advancement, told the participants to sing along with the choir if they wanted, or to dance with the dancers. “This isn’t a home-going ceremony or a funeral—it’s a glorious celebration,” he said.
Following the formal dedication and tour of the new facility, the North Texas guests joined in the dance in the clinic’s central garden, one of the building’s most striking features.
One of the most dramatic moments came with the announcement that the health clinic would be named for Bishop Norris, a former chair of the Africa University Development Committee, and that the scholarships would bear the name of Bishop Moncure, a longtime supporter of the university.
“I am deeply appreciative—I didn’t expect this,” Bishop Norris said. “It is a testament to the character of the annual conference that they were doing this out of love for the people and respect for their bishop at that time. In that sense, I accept the honor with humility and pride as well.” Bishop Moncure’s widow, Jewell, and their daughter Roxanne Moncure attended the presentation. At the family’s request, contributions to Bishop Moncure’s memorial fund were included in the scholarship endowment.
Bishop Norris and his wife, Mackie, also were guests of honor for the dedication. Dr. Mackie Norris is a nursing educator who was part of the Africa University task force assigned to study the health needs of sub-Sahara Africa, and has been a key leader in supporting the university.
The task force came up with the recommendations that shaped the plan for the Faculty (School) of Health Sciences, designed to get well-trained primary public health workers out in the communities as quickly as possible.
Lisa Tichenor, a lay member of Highland Park UMC in Dallas and a co-chair of the initiative, is a longtime supporter of the university. She described the ceremony as “a view into the culture.”
“There is nothing with which to compare it in the United States,” Ms. Tichenor added. “We have a dedication ceremony with dignitaries and constituencies, and it is over. The people of Africa University presented us with their very best.
“The way that they use what has been entrusted to them is evident in the incredible stewardship of their resources. The evidence of that stewardship was all around us in the new health center and the rest of the campus.”
Ms. Tichenor also described the new health clinic as essential to Zimbabwe, calling it “a green shoot in a nation where other public health services have withered.”
Fanuel Tagwire, the new Africa University vice-chancellor, said he appreciated that North Texans chose to invest significant resources at a time when many are avoiding involvement with Zimbabwe.
“At a time when few believed it was possible to build in Zimbabwe, you saw possibility where others saw impossibility,” he said. “You took risks, and we thank you very much. This seed you planted, we will water and nurture it to help the people of Africa.”
Bishop Norris shared greetings from the North Texas Conference during the dedication service. “They care about what happens,” he said. “I have never been more proud of an annual conference in my life.”
He then addressed the audience: “You are children of God, important in the scheme of things. God says, I want the best for you, and I am saying, God cannot be disappointed.” The Rev. Clayton Oliphint, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Richardson, Texas, recalled the role of his father, the late Bishop Benjamin Oliphint, who had been president of the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry when Africa University was established. Bishop Oliphint had participated in the university’s 1991 ground-breaking.
“Today I wear my father’s tie to remind me of that time,” Dr. Oliphint said.
The Oliphint family was also represented by Mary Brooke Casad, Dr. Oliphint’s sister and executive secretary of the denomination’s Connectional Table, along with her husband, the Rev. Victor Casad, pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Farmers Branch, Texas.
The new 20-room health clinic has two wings. The clinic has two observation wards—one for males and the other for females—a reception area and records center, pharmacy, consultation rooms, counseling rooms and a “laughter room” for stress management and diversion therapy. A youth-friendly space will accommodate health-related education and activities.
As Africa University celebrated its newly completed health clinic, the vice chancellor said that the focus will be the Faculty of Science and Technology.
“Africa is behind as far as information technology is concerned,” Mr. Tagwire said, “and we are looking for people with IT skills to help bridge the digital divide.”
University officials also acknowledged the challenge of helping financially strapped students and families keep their young people in school. Enrollment has declined in the past year and several final-year students had to postpone graduation because they could not pay their final fees.
The university and local supporters have launched a campaign to fund scholarships for struggling students, especially those whose graduation was delayed because they were not able to write their final exams in June. The university has set an Aug. 3 opportunity for these students to take their exams and graduate if funds can be raised for their fees.
For information, contact the Africa University Office of Information and Public Affairs at dipa@africau.ac.zw.
Dr. LaBarr is the communications director for the North Texas Conference.
PHOTO BY JOAN LABARR
The university describes itself as a place where “The dream is alive,” and the clinic and scholarships advance the dream of improving health care, both on campus through the clinic and on the continent of Africa through the scholarships. 
“The way that they use what has been entrusted to them is evident in the incredible stewardship of their resources. The evidence of that stewardship was all around us in the new health center and the rest of the campus.” 
“Africa is behind as far as information technology is concerned,” Mr. Tagwire said, “and we are looking for people with IT skills to help bridge the digital divide.” 
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