Africa University Alumni gather in Kinshasa, DRC

Story by Wenham Dabale- Director of Alumni, Church Relations and Internationalization

Alumni of Africa University gathered at the African Association of Methodist Institution of Higher Education (AAMHIHE) and Africa Association of United Methodist Theological Institutions (AAUMTI) Conference in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from October 23-26, 2023.

The delegation consisted of fifteen Africa University alumni from eleven African countries, alongside representatives from the university, who include Vice Chancellor, Rev. Professor Peter Mageto; Director of Alumni, Internationalization and Church Relations, Wehnam Dabale; Director of the Institute of Theology and Religious Studies, Rev. Dr. David Bishau; and ITRS Lecturer, Rev. Nday Bondo.

On October 25, 2023, the university hosted a gathering for the alumni to discuss progress made at the Africa University and how they could collaborate on student and staff recruitment, partnerships, and philanthropy.

The reunion was attended by even more alumni from Kinshasa who were excited to join.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor emphasized the importance of alumni in measuring the effectiveness of any university and encouraged them to serve as ambassadors for Africa University through volunteering and philanthropy.

Several alumni shared their experiences, including Rev. Almeida Lamba (AU, 1996) from Angola, who is part of a local alumni chapter. He pledged to continue supporting Africa University.

Rev. Joseph Hatungima (AU, 2002) from Burundi, who works as the Chaplain of the Defense Forces, expressed his joy at meeting fellow alumni and Rev. Dr. Laishi Bwalya (AU, 2002) from Zambia. Kenyan and 2012 graduate, Rev. Bonface Wanyama, summarized the conversation by stating that the gathering in Kinshasa is a testament to the significant investment and impact of the university on the African continent.