Dear Friends,
The South Carolina Conference connection has a strong, long-standing connection to Africa University, which is an exciting and impactful ministry of The United Methodist Church. The university’s main campus is in Zimbabwe, in the southern portion of Africa. During a visit to the university’s main campus in Zimbabwe in January 2014, 32 South Carolinians were able to see firsthand how the university is nurturing global leaders and addressing Africa’s vital needs. The joy, hopefulness, generosity and commitment to service that we encountered among the faculty, students and staff moved us deeply.
We would like to invite you to learn more about Africa University and help raise funds for student scholarships and to supplement apportionments by sponsoring the upcoming 2015 South Carolina Africa University Golf Tournament.
The tournament takes place Monday, Sept. 28, at Cobblestone Golf Course in Blythewood. It’ll be a wonderful day of friendly competition, fellowship and fun. And with your participation and sponsorship, it will also help us to raise funds to provide health services at Africa University, as well as care for orphaned children and persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Africa University is the first fully accredited United Methodist-related educational institution on the African continent. AU opened in March 1992 with 40 students from six African countries. Currently, there are 1,480 full-time students enrolled, representing 25 African countries. The vast majority of AU’s 5,500+ alumni are first-generation college graduates. Many are orphans and the children of pastors, farm workers, teachers, nurses and others whose incomes are barely enough to provide for their families’ basic needs.
Attending AU costs around $5,700 a year and seems relatively inexpensive by American standards. Yet very few African students can afford to pay the fees on their own. About 90 percent of the students enrolled at AU are receiving some form of assistance with their fees. The scholarships this tournament supports will ensure these students can continue their education and have a successful future. Please review the enclosed flyer with information about the golf tournament and the sponsorship levels. We prayerfully urge you to consider sponsoring the tournament. If you’d like to learn more about AU and how to help beyond the golf tournament, visit www.support-africauniversity.org.
Thank you in advance for your participation and support. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact us at 803-210-6103.
Download the brochure and registration form here.
Sincerely,
Ronald D. Friday Rev. John Culp James Salley
