They also served as official observers for Mozambique's 1994 presidential elections. Assisting Jordan as advisors, the Adkins suggested that Africa University in neighboring Zimbabwe be asked to host the Middlebury volunteers in Africa, and to facilitate their entry into Mozambique. While working alongside AU student and faculty members on repairs at a nearby village high school, the Middlebury team found the social and educational connection with its hosts to be a very important aspect of the trip. I hope that the College will in some way participate with AU in the unfolding of that history. The team found that sponsorship of local students in their pursuit of educational careers was another way to assist the Zimbabwean communities.
Many students are nevertheless unable to finish high school for lack of the annual tuition fee.
Working with one of the local teachers, team member Suzanne Slarsky coordinated the Middlebury volunteers in the sponsorship of nine Munyarari young people, assuring that the students will have the financial backing to complete their high school educations. In addition to the nine students already sponsored by the Middlebury team, Slarsky returned to Middlebury with the names of another 21 students needing tuition support. As important as sponsorship are the cross-cultural relationships which will develop between the Middlebury and Munyirare communities. The Middlebury volunteers then traveled into Mozambique, where they helped with reconstruction and clean-up in the town of Chimoio and other villages in Manica Province. With the help of the provincial administrator and a representative from an international volunteer relief organization called Concern Worldwide, the team took the materials to the village clinic for distribution to the people who needed them most.