Usahwira Scholarship Program

In the Shona language, usahwira means "a beautiful friendship."

A friendship between your church and Africa University gives someone the chance for an education. An education gives someone the chance to change the world.

For $5,200 a year, your church can fund an annual scholarship at Africa University. Partial funding is available at the levels of $2,000 and $1,000. Your donation would mean a student could complete a four-year education at Africa University, the only United Methodist-related university on the continent of Africa.

Since 1992, Africa University has graduated 880 alumni who are changing the face of Africa. Become part of usahwira (pronounced YOU-suh-we-rah) and build a relationship that makes a real difference in a young person's life.

How to establish usahwira with Africa University:

• include students, staff, and faculty of the university on your prayer lists.
• continue faithful support of your local church's annual apportionments.
• make a four-year commitment to annual scholarship funding (download pledge form here) and support a student from enrollment to graduation.
• add an annual Africa University Day celebration to the mission calendar of your church. See the Africa University web site for celebration ideas.

Strengthen your usahwira by:

• participating through Volunteers in Mission by sending a VIM team or sponsoring a building project.
• making a special gift by pledging to the endowment fund. Each member would conate $1 (or more!) to the World Service Endowment Fund.
• identifying persons who can make a large gift to the scholarship fund, to a designated special project, and/or make a planned gift.
• enlisting five or more honorary alumni association members at the annual level of $50 or a lifetime membership of $500.

In recognition of your commitment, you will receive:

• a plaque, flag, or certificate to display at your church
• recognition on the Africa University web site as a partner church.
• special email reports from faculty noting accomplishments, student activities, or other items of special interest.
• special recognition at annual conferences for partner churches.
• inclusion in all special mailings to local church partners.