United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Harry Thomas Jnr has hailed the visiting Gonzaga University Chamber Chorus as true ambassadors of America, urging young people in the country to showcase their talent beyond the borders.
By Faith Zvorufura
Speaking at a workshop held after a two week visit to Zimbabwe and Zambia by the American choral group, Ambassador Thomas said young people should keep on showcasing their talents.
“It is delightful to see young, talented people reach beyond their borders to share their gifts, to experience new places and cultures, to approach the world with an eagerness to learn and to grow from other like-minded people around the world,” he said.
Ambassador Thomas hailed the touring students calling them really true ambassadors of America.
The Gonzaga University Chamber Chorus had come to showcase their musical talents in Zimbabwe. They performed various songs including some that are rooted in the Jesuit and humanist traditions.
The group also had an opportunity to perform alongside Chitungwiza Harmony Singers while participated in local dance routines including Mhande and Jerusalem.
Tour coordinator, Joseph Kinsella, who is the Assistant Academic Vice President at the Center for Global Engagement said the tour provided the group with an opportunity to share musical and cultural experiences whilst also providing a platform to show Zimbabweans (and Zambians) that they are welcome to study in the United States.
“This is a story not so much about recruitment (of students) as it is about sharing who we are with each other, and as an institution that wants to welcome people to the United States and welcomes students from Zimbabwe and Zambia especially, to encourage you to come to the United States, and learn with us,” added Kinsella.
He said his institution’s emphasis was to tell prospective international students to think beyond being recipients of education but as active participants in the learning process.
