Reformed Church University opens

excellence in special needs.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Wiseman Magwa said they had opted to start with 80 block-release students as a way of gauging the momentum.
“We have so far engaged block-release students because we believe they are mature and experienced and will help us in shaping the university’s des­tiny. Some of them are first degree holders who can actually help us improve our curricula,” he said.
In line with RCU’s vision of being a relevant leading world-class centre of excellence in special needs education, the institution appointed a visually challenged lecturer, Mr Kudzai Shava, to give lectures to block-release students studying for a Bachelor of Education Honours Degree in Special Needs Edu­cation.
Said Prof Magwa: “The rationale behind appointing physically chal­lenged members of staff is not only to promote equal opportunities for all qualified personnel in society but, more importantly, to let RCU students benefit from invaluable insights given by highly competent lecturers affected by various forms of physical disabilities”.
The church’s general secretary, Rev­erend Christopher Munikwa, said the university would give hope to the dis­abled and the disadvantaged.
“The university should exist to serve the underprivileged and those with dis­abilities because they, too, have dreams and phenomenal solutions that can bring economic, educational and cul­tural growth to this great nation,” he said.
Reformed Church University and RCZ moderator Reverend Enos Chomutiri, who is also the university’s chancellor, said they expected the uni­versity to leave a mark on communities.
“While acknowledging the challeng­ing operating environment affecting most churches in the nation, the region and beyond, I believe that the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe comes with a large public obligation to have a positive impact not only on its church members but also on the communities and societies where its churches are,” he said.
In early 2000, the church established the Great Zimbabwe University which collapsed due to several operational constraints.