USIU-Africa launches first official alumni chapter in The United Republic of Tanzania

Standing at the center, former President of the Republic of Tanzania H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, USIU-Africa, Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Zeleza, USIU-Africa, University Council Member, Prof. Prof. Rwekaza Sympho Mukandala and Kenyan Ambassador to Tanzania Amb. Hon. Dan Kazungu (far left), pose for a photo with the newly appointed officials of the USIU-Africa Tanzania Alumni Chapter. PHOTO: Ernest Mwanzi
By Joanne Alividza
On July 20, 2019, Alumni Relations Department staff, Mr. Michael Kisilu and Ms. Joanne Alividza, together with University Council Member, Prof. Rwekaza Mukandala, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul Zeleza, Chair of Sociology and Criminal Justice Department, Prof. Simeon Sungi and Kenya’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Amb. Dan Kazungu joined USIU-Africa’s Tanzania alumni and their networks in launching the University’s first official chapter in Dar es Salaam.
The event, dubbed USIU-Africa Tanzania Alumni Networking, Chapter Launch and Fundraising Dinner brought together 120 individuals drawn from USIU-Africa’s Tanzania’s alumni, their parents, government representatives, the business and corporate community, and the diplomatic corps.
Gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest was Tanzania’s former President, H.E. Dr. Jakaya Kikwete; whose humble acceptance of the mandate placed upon him not only honored all in attendance, but also affirmed the recognition of the important role of higher education among the leadership of Africa. During his speech, Dr. Kikwete stated the great significance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in present and future times, underscoring the need to have able bodied individuals in these fields, and more so the girl child, whose encouragement and participation in the disciplines requires an upward projection.
The Freida Brown Scholarship Fund (FBSF), whose goal is to provide scholarships to Africa’s 500 most talented young women to study STEM disciplines at USIU-Africa by raising $5 million by 2021; formed part of the agenda of the evening as it provided a platform for giving. As they both spoke to the objectives of the dinner, Prof. Zeleza and Dr. Kikwete accentuated financial resources as being key in the achievement of the desired educational outcomes. Moreover, the kind leadership of Dr. Kikwete in raising funds for the FBSF resulted in a generous gift of Ksh. 2,632,000 (USD26, 320) in immediate and long term basis.
Amb. Kazungu reiterated the importance of education and support towards those that may be challenged financially. He gave his life story by stating that he too had been a sponsorship beneficiary through primary and secondary school and he later reconnected with his sponsor when he joined Kenya’s political scene.
The USIU-Africa Tanzania Alumni Chapter is a momentous symbol for consecutive chapter formations in the workings of the Alumni Relations Department.

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