RCU Begins Construction of Main Campus

The First Steps Borehore Drilling at Main Campus

The infrastructural development project which according to the RCU Strategic Plan spans from 2015 to 2019, is in line with the advice of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development which granted the RCU a licence in 2010.

Commenting on this development, RCU Vice Chancellor Professor Wiseman Magwa said, “in compliance with the requirements of our regulators, the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE), the University shall develop infrastructure at its main campus in accordance with our Strategic Plan.”

“To accommodate a growing student population, University operations are therefore expected to expand to cover the new campus during the period spanning 2015 to 2019. This development shall enable us to improve our service offerings, increase our geographic footprint, and bring convenience to the majority of our existing and prospective students,” he added.

RCU Vice Chancellor Professor Magwa further noted that the Reformed Church University is at a crucial stage of growth and development underpinned by a conscious effort to align all its operations to the niche of inclusive education as well as enhancing its capacity to deliver on its core mandate of teaching and learning, research and community service embedded in Christian values.”

Meanwhile, the RCU Business Development, Information and Public Relations together with the University’s Fundraising Committee is intensifying RCU fundraising and resource mobilisation initiatives to augment existing infrastructural development capital.

The fundraising and resource mobilisation initiatives have seen a strong community response on the Founder Member Movement of the University through the Friends of the Reformed Church University (FRECU).

In a statement, Reformed Church University Deputy Director Business Development, Information and Public Relations, Stephene Chikozho, noted that the membership to the Friends of the Reformed Church University is open to all individuals and organisations who wish to support the construction of the University Main Campus.

“As part of our Building a Legacy campaign, invitations are being made for prospective and existing Friends of the Reformed Church University to develop the University by purchasing FRECU badges whose proceeds shall be used in the development of the University Campus in various areas”, Mr Chikozho said.

The FRECU badges have specific categories, development agendas, benefits to individuals and institutions are as follows:

• Platinum category, where funds contributed by members and organisations in this category shall be used to build an Administration Block at the University main campus. The names of people or institutions that are in the platinum category shall be displayed on a plaque in the Administration Block Boardroom at the main campus. For this immortal benefit, members only have to part with USD 1000 payment over a period of time.
• Gold category, where financial resources raised by members and organisations in this category shall be used to construct a Lecture Block at the University main campus. The names of people or institutions that are in the gold category shall be displayed on a plaque in the Lecture Block at the main campus. For this everlasting benefit, members only have to part with USD 500 payment over a period of time.
• Silver category, where funds contributed by members and organisations in this category shall be used to develop the Library through the purchase and conservation of significant publications at the University main campus. The names of people or institutions that are in the silver category shall be displayed on a plaque in the Library at the main campus. For this eternal benefit, members only have to part with USD 100 once off payment.
• Bronze category, where funds contributed by members and organisations in this category shall be used for the development of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Laboratory through the purchase of computers, internet and other e-learning platforms so as to move with latest innovations in 21st century education. The names of people or institutions that are in the bronze category shall be displayed on a plaque in the ICT Laboratory at the main campus. For this perpetual benefit, members only have to part with USD 50 once off payment.

RCU Council Chairman, Dr. Augustine Mazvuru noted that this initiative shall boost funding of essential areas of the University Main Campus project, “we are building a legacy and contributing to the University’s vision of building leading world class centre of excellence in inclusive education.”

The Reformed Church University, presently located at Morgenster Mission, about 35 kilometres from Masvingo, is Zimbabwe’s 4th church-owned university.

Stephene Chikozho

Deputy Director-Business Development, Information & Public Relations