HOPE AFRICA UNIVERSITY-TRIUMPH OF A VISION

HAU started in the late ‘90’s in Kenya, where now Free Methodist Bishop of Burundi , Elie Bucinyori, was exiled from his native Burundi. Back then, leading his denomination’s churches in Kenya, Bishop Elie started Hope Africa with a handful of students in an airplane hangar. Today HAU, relocated to Burundi where Bishop Elie now leads FM churches in this country and has some 4000 students from a number of African countries. About 1500 new students for the next semester beginning in February are on campus now for intensive English classes.

Some years ago, a piece of property was given to Bishop Elie as the Rector (President) of HAU for the university’s use. Because of financial pressures the school was unable to develop the property. It was thus returned to province. But Bishop Elie said: “Do not worry. It is for the best. I believe God will give us a mountain!” In Burundi communities cluster around the many hills or mountains. The name of the community comes from the name of the mountain. More recently, in recognition of the good work started by Sister Connection among Burundian widows, the Muslim provincial governor gave an upcountry mountain to be divided between Sister Connection and Hope Africa University. It is now called Mount Hope. There, Sister Connection has a teaching center where widows learn sewing and other skills. HAU has the beginnings of an outlying campus. Last week our group of 11 visiting faculty were able to go to the top of Mount Hope and celebrate not only the beauty of the surrounding countryside but this triumph of hope.

HAU is not organized in ways we may think essential in the US. American visiting faculty can think of multiple ways we would do things differently. Structure seems to lag behind rapid growth. In a culture geared to survival, some of the standards we Americans regard highly are not a priority. But great things are happening regardless. A campus with large and attractive buildings has been built. A clinic across the street is under construction to serve along with the upcountry Kibuye Hospital as a teaching center for the Frank Ogden Medical School. Friends of Hope Africa University is the American support group which serves as a conduit for capitol and screening for potential American teachers. The reputation of HAU is excellent in this capital city of Bujumbura.  Students are eager to learn. HAU is moving forward because of a vision for Christian education in Central Africa.

Bishop Elie leads the Burundi FM Church, is President of the World Free Methodist Conference, is Rector of HAU, and friend/consultant of Burundi’s President, a committed believer. While adjusting organizational expectations I am amazed at the triumph of this man’s vision! I salute the perseverance of American friends of HAU, many of whom have come for several years in a row for a month or two. Wayne and Barb Vibbert, formerly missionaries in Burundi, now retired, return regularly for several months and serve as teachers.

I am challenged by this triumph of vision.