Africa University Dream Farm Celebration, First UMC, Murray, Kentucky, September 6th
More than 350 students from 16 African countries graduate June 7 from United Methodist-related Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The school now has more than 2,600 alumni at work as agriculturalists, pastors, educators, businesspeople, health workers and other professionals in communities across sub-Saharan Africa. A UMNS photo by Andra Stevens.
By Cathy Farmer
Mickey Carpenter and Marsha Dorgan had a passion for the people of Africa University that transcended the distance between the two continents. Time and again, the Carpenters raised the money to send Marsha to Zimbabwe where she could propose and found the Dream Dairy and begin plans for the Dream Farm. But it was never easy for them.
Now, after Mickey’s recent and unexpected tragic death, the people of the Nashville Area are being offered the opportunity to “help continue the dream.”
“Basically,” said Marsha Dorgan as she talked about the upcoming Celebration at Murray (KY) First United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 6, “I hope everyone will come to the Celebration and listen to the speakers talk about Africa University, what it does, who it prepares for life, and what some graduates have done, so that they can understand where the money goes when they pay their apportionment for Africa University.”
Dorgan explained that 70% of the students are on financial aid or full scholarships. In the past 17 years, the university has graduated over 3,000 students.
“We have around 1400 students right now,” she said. “Africa University is apolitical with students from all walks of life and all political parties and from many African countries.
“I believe that the students at Africa University today are the future leaders of the continent of Africa tomorrow. I know that some of our graduates have already gone on to serve in responsible governmental positions.”
Dorgan said she hoped to have a full house, 500-600 people, at the celebration. Those who come will have the opportunity to see what the university does now and how they can be part of making a difference in the future.
“We have Volunteer in Mission teams that go to Africa University yearly,” Dorgan said. “You can also go as an independent Volunteer in Mission. No matter what your capability, there is a volunteer job waiting for you at Africa University.”
Building the Dream Farm
The money being raised at the Celebration will go to the Dream Farm project, a demonstration and training farm for the smallholder farmer, or to an Africa University scholarship in the Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Simply mark your check for either the Dr. Mickey Carpenter Scholarship Fund or the Dream Farm.
“Mickey believed in teaching people to fish so they could feed themselves for a lifetime,” Marsha said. “On the Dream Farm, we will have a tilapia pond where we will raise tilapia fish. It will teach the small holder farmers to feed themselves by raising fish.”
The organizers of the event hope to raise $120,000 for the Carpenter scholarship. Members of the Board of Directors of Africa University will be present at the Celebration to answer questions.
Marsha added, “Thank you for me and my family for all the money raised so far for the Dream Farm in memory of Mickey. It will make such a such a difference.”
Mickey Carpenter and Marsha Dorgan had a passion for the people of Africa University that transcended the distance between the two continents. Time and again, the Carpenters raised the money to send Marsha to Zimbabwe where she could propose and found the Dream Dairy and begin plans for the Dream Farm. But it was never easy for them.
Now, after Mickey’s recent and unexpected tragic death, the people of the Nashville Area are being offered the opportunity to “help continue the dream.”
“Basically,” said Marsha Dorgan as she talked about the upcoming Celebration at Murray (KY) First United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 6, “I hope everyone will come to the Celebration and listen to the speakers talk about Africa University, what it does, who it prepares for life, and what some graduates have done, so that they can understand where the money goes when they pay their apportionment for Africa University.”
Dorgan explained that 70% of the students are on financial aid or full scholarships. In the past 17 years, the university has graduated over 3,000 students.
“We have around 1400 students right now,” she said. “Africa University is apolitical with students from all walks of life and all political parties and from many African countries.
“I believe that the students at Africa University today are the future leaders of the continent of Africa tomorrow. I know that some of our graduates have already gone on to serve in responsible governmental positions.”
Dorgan said she hoped to have a full house, 500-600 people, at the celebration. Those who come will have the opportunity to see what the university does now and how they can be part of making a difference in the future.
“We have Volunteer in Mission teams that go to Africa University yearly,” Dorgan said. “You can also go as an independent Volunteer in Mission. No matter what your capability, there is a volunteer job waiting for you at Africa University.”
Building the Dream Farm
The money being raised at the Celebration will go to the Dream Farm project, a demonstration and training farm for the smallholder farmer, or to an Africa University scholarship in the Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Simply mark your check for either the Dr. Mickey Carpenter Scholarship Fund or the Dream Farm.
“Mickey believed in teaching people to fish so they could feed themselves for a lifetime,” Marsha said. “On the Dream Farm, we will have a tilapia pond where we will raise tilapia fish. It will teach the small holder farmers to feed themselves by raising fish.”
The organizers of the event hope to raise $120,000 for the Carpenter scholarship. Members of the Board of Directors of Africa University will be present at the Celebration to answer questions.
Marsha added, “Thank you for me and my family for all the money raised so far for the Dream Farm in memory of Mickey. It will make such a such a difference.”
Getting There
The Dream Farm project event will be on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008 at 6 p.m. with reception to follow. First United Methodist Church, 503 Maple Street, Murray, Kentucky. All are welcome.
The Dream Farm project event will be on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008 at 6 p.m. with reception to follow. First United Methodist Church, 503 Maple Street, Murray, Kentucky. All are welcome.
posted by TN Conference UMC @ 7:54 AM
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