University Homepage

Indiana VIMs committed to scholarship support for AU

Grace Mutinta, (centre) second-year student with members of the Indiana/West Ohio VIM team

Twenty-two year old Zambian student Grace Mukale Mutinta thought someone was playing a joke on her when she first
heard that she would be traveling to Zimbabwe to study at Africa University. Mutinta, now in her second year of study at Africa University, is the recipient of a scholarship grant from the North Indiana Annual Conference in the USA. In late October, she had the opportunity to meet some of the people responsible for helping her to realize her dream of a university education during a visit by a group of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission from Indiana and West Ohio.
“This scholarship has changed my life personally and that of my nuclear and extended family as I am the first female to
get a university education,” said Mutinta. “Gender stereotyping still very much exists and whenever there are scarce resources, girls will always be sacrificed.”
Mutinta is the second-born and eldest girl in a family of four, living in Zambia’s capital of Lusaka. When she was 12 years old, her father died from an AIDS-related illness. Her mother has now been widowed for 10 years and is living positively with HIV. She provides for the family by trading in textiles. “I am proud to say that my young sister and female cousins now look up to me as their role model... I cannot let them down, and will do my utmost to pass with flying colours,” she added.The team, led by Tim Grace, was eager to explore ways in which they could continue supporting the ministry and work at Africa University. Members were part- icularly interested in providing additional support for scholarships and for on-campus housing construction.
The team also made a donation to the Toothpaste Club at Africa University which aids underprivileged students toiletries,
meals and other basic needs. “As long as God allows, we will keep supporting Africa University aswe continue to strengthen our connection,” said Grace. In response, Vice Chancellor Rukudzo Murapa thanked team members for their “presence, fellowship and contributions”, noting that “we know we couldn’t be where we are were it not for your valued support and prayers.”