A history of faith and success
Northrise University began as a dream in the hearts of native Zambians and founders Dr. Moffat and Doreen Zimba in 1988. Recognizing the need for Christian higher education in Zambia, they left their careers to pursue the education needed to begin a university. Their faith journey took them to Australia and to then to the United States. Moffat earned his Doctorate in Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and Doreen earned an MBA in Technology.
In 2003, after years of petitioning the Zambian government for permission to start a new university, the Zambian Ministry of Education awarded Northrise University the first private university charter ever granted. With help from the recently formed Northrise University Initiative (NUI), the Zimba’s returned to Zambia and opened Northrise. In January 2004, Northrise celebrated the beginning of something very special with 50 students majoring in theology, business, and IT.
Today, Northrise has enrollment of over 800 students and 265 alumni. A Campus Center, classrooms, dormitories and other infrastructure was built on the 640 acres of land granted by the local government. The dream has become larger than ever imagined, and the future is bright!
Issues facing zambia
Zambia faces significant issues as one of the poorest countries in Africa. Over 85% of the population lives on less than $2 per day and opportunities to raise the standard of living are still limited. The children of Zambia continue to suffer from the devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic that left many as orphans and today over 12% of the adult population still suffer from this devastating disease. Access to primary and secondary education is still limited. Today, only 1 in 10 qualified high school graduates have access to public university education, one of the key elements of empowerment and change in developing countries.
The cost of university tuition at Northrise is relatively low by global standards, about $2,400 per year. But even this amount is out of reach for many qualified, bright, motivated students who struggle economically. With a population of 15 million people, Zambia can be fundamentally transformed by developing highly qualified, outstanding Christian leaders who have a heart for the people and the needs of Zambia. One of the best ways to develop these leaders is through a high quality, Christ-centered university education. This is the vision of Northrise!
North American Partnerships
Through strategic partners with North American Partnerships such as Baylor University and Dordt College, Northrise is making fast strides in development of its faculty, programs, and facilities.
NORTHRISE DIRECTLY ADDRESSES KEY ISSUES THAT WILL ADVANCE ZAMBIA TO BECOME A BEACON OF HOPE, STABILITY AND PROSPERITY IN AFRICA
LIMITED ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
Historically, Zambia’s economy has been heavily dependent upon copper mining, despite the resources, potential, and capacity for a more diverse economy. Northrise provides an education that empowers students and graduates to create and participate in a broader economy as entrepreneurs, managers, and government leaders. Graduates are developing new industries in Zambia, creating jobs and economic independence.
Brain Drain
Often qualified high school graduates who can afford to attend foreign universities leave Zambia and do not return. Northrise has successfully addressed this problem through developing an affordable, high quality university education program providing an opportunity for more students to stay in Zambia. In addition, Northrise has created a service learning program. As part of their core curriculum, students serve other Zambians on the streets and in schools and in orphanages, creating community and hope. As a result, 99% of Northrise graduates remain in Zambia to improve their family, community and nation.
Economic disparity
Zambia has a population that tends to be either wealthy or poor, with a small middle class. The upper class is able to afford whatever they may need, but many do not interact with those of lesser means. Through scholarships, Northrise graduates are growing a new middle class, while teaching students from wealthy families to view others with compassion. As a result, Zambian’s are being empowered through education with resources to combat poverty right at home.
Northrise is making a difference in the lives of Zambian students, who are in turn changing Zambia into a model of economic progress for the rest of Africa.
Succeeding in Zambia
Current Metrics
Northrise has been blessed with growing enrollment and quality facilities. Graduates are in high demand, and new students are enrolling every semester.
750 Students
265 Graduates
Undergraduate and graduate programs including Business, IT, Nursing, Law, and Theology
95% of students placed before graduation
99% of graduates remain in Zambia
Operational self-sustainability - 80%
Vision For 2020
As we look forward to the future, we prayerfully plan to increase our scope. With a strong foundation and clear mission Northrise University is moving forward with plans to expand opportunities to empower the people of Zambia, ONE STUDENT at a time. In a country of 15 million people, Northrise can change the future of Zambia in one generation.
The next chapter of this amazing story involves expanding campus buildings and infrastructure, adding program offerings and continuing to build strong relationships with our international academic partners.
Goals by 2020:
2,000 students
200 resident student capacity
500 alumni
Operational self-sustainability - 90%
Consider joining us on the incredible journey to share hope and transform a nation.
Students Enrolled at Northrise
In just over 12 years, Northrise has grown to over 800 students across five different schools of study.
Northrise graduates
Northrise has graduated 265 students who now serve Zambia through commerce, government, education, and humanitarian work.
Northrise operations
Northrise is becoming more operationally sustainable each year. The chart below demonstrates how the University is self-supporting general operations year-over-year (does not include capital projects).
North american support for northrise
Northrise University Initiative (NUI) is the North American development and fundraising organization for Northrise University. We support and communicate the vision and mission of Northrise University to accelerate growth and provide opportunities for their students and faculty. Northrise University Initiative creates opportunities for involvement in three main areas: