NLC students asked to help Africa University

By Tjidzani Maphosa
Contributing Writer

Long considered the “Jewel of Africa,” Zimbabwe remains so in many of our hearts; however, the current economic situation casts a dullness on the country that yearns for polishing in order to restore its original shine. The current inflation rate is 140 percent and continues to rise, making basic life difficult for most citizens.

Dr, Phyllis Elmore, a professor of English at North Lake College, brought the attention of one such needy community to the SPAR office. Africa University is an international university located in the city of Mutare in the east of Zimbabwe. The university was established by the United Methodist Church, whose headquarters are in Nashville, Tenn. On a recent visit to the country, representatives of the sponsors discovered that the students were in desperate need of basic toiletries as a result of lacking the funds to purchase them. Subsequently, they started a donation program through the various churches in the United States.

Elmore was asked to be a donor and, after realizing the great difference that can be made by a small donation, approached the SPAR office with the idea of NLC students taking part. The donation project is now on the agenda of the SPAR office, and there are several boxes in which students can put anything from soap and deodorant to toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion and other such products.

Elmore said, “Even the sample products from past hotel stays could help a student for a whole week.”

With so many international students attending NLC, Zimbabwe is significantly represented on campus. The SPAR office is inviting all students to participate in the Africa University project.

In a very real and productive way, NLC can serve the international community and help restore the gleam to the nation of Zimbabwe and her people. The deadline for donations is March 1, 2003.

For more information about this project, visit the SPAR office in A-233 or call 972-273-3020.