Stella Mkiliwane
January 2014
A journey that started in November 2010 and finally concluded on the 31st December 2013. Three years ahead of schedule, I received my degree – Master of International Development Administration, with Andrews University, Michigan, USA with a GPA of 3.87. I cannot claim to be a genius but I thank God for enabling me throughout my study period. I had amazing experiences during my study sessions and my research experience was just awesome, I enjoyed every moment of it and most of all, it opened amazing doors for me in my career, I got to interact with very crucial stakeholders in the forced migration sector.
These achievements wouldn’t have been possible without Umama Wothando Trust – as the name speaks for itself, it’s a mother’s love indeed. All I had to worry about were my studies and getting the good grades, UWT took care of all my financial needs.
The experience, support and love that you get from the UWT is amazing. They make you feel like you’re the only student they support and when you get good Grades, the accolades inspire you to do even better on your next class.
I have learnt a lot from UWT. It’s not just the financial support, you belong to a real family that cares even about your personal challenges. You’re even offered mentoring when you struggle in your area of study. The love makes everything more meaningful. It’s an awesome model of support for students, it’s unique and amazing.
I made a decision while I was that if UWT has a space for me, I would give back through volunteering my time in mentoring other students who need support in their studies and also by giving motivational talks to vulnerable girls that UWT is supporting. I am prepared to give back financially as well in the future to ensure that this initiative continues. I believe initiatives such as UWT should be supported by all including us students who have benefited from the Trust by contributing financially so that more people continue to benefit from this Trust. I never met the woman behind the Trust but I am eternally grateful for her kind heart to support post-graduate students pursue their goals. Education is an eternal inheritance that one is given, it keeps growing and producing more and more fruits.
I have already started working towards my PhD though I am planning to take 2014 as a break to recharge before I continue. I feel fired up and ready to go!
Thank you Charmaine, Gary, Lindy and Cath for being such a candle of hope in our lives. God bless you all abundantly!
Thank you UWT and may God add more to the financial blessings that you have given me.
January 2013
Happy new year and new season to all at Umama WothandoTrust. I hope 2013 will be awesome for all of us!
It’s amazing how time flies. Here we are in 2013! 2012 has been a great year for me through the invaluable support from the Trust that saw me managing to finish my coursework and 85% of my concentration.
I have managed to finish my coursework for the 12 modules and passed all with 9As and B so far, 2 grades are still outstanding. My last session was in Italy in June, it was awesome! The weather was beautiful and the courses were well presented.
My Concentration, is on Forced Migration Advocacy and this is what I have covered so far:
Field Practicuum presented at Villa Aurora in Italy in June, involved:
o Baseline and Benchmark Studies
o Presentation of findings and evaluation
Professional Training included
o Attending the International Summer School in Forced Migration, in July 2012 at Oxford University, UK.
o Synthesis Paper
o Colloquium
Independent Study involved
o Writing a Specialization Essay on Forced Migration in December 2012
I am currently working on my Research. My Concept Paper has been approved and I have started working on my research proposal. I hope to complete my Thesis by the end of November 2013, or earlier.
I am also preparing for my comprehensive exam which is 7 hours long, with 5 hours covering coursework and 2 hours covering my concentration. I hope to be ready for this by May 2013.
January 2014
A journey that started in November 2010 and finally concluded on the 31st December 2013. Three years ahead of schedule, I received my degree – Master of International Development Administration, with Andrews University, Michigan, USA with a GPA of 3.87. I cannot claim to be a genius but I thank God for enabling me throughout my study period. I had amazing experiences during my study sessions and my research experience was just awesome, I enjoyed every moment of it and most of all, it opened amazing doors for me in my career, I got to interact with very crucial stakeholders in the forced migration sector.
These achievements wouldn’t have been possible without Umama Wothando Trust – as the name speaks for itself, it’s a mother’s love indeed. All I had to worry about were my studies and getting the good grades, UWT took care of all my financial needs.
The experience, support and love that you get from the UWT is amazing. They make you feel like you’re the only student they support and when you get good Grades, the accolades inspire you to do even better on your next class.
I have learnt a lot from UWT. It’s not just the financial support, you belong to a real family that cares even about your personal challenges. You’re even offered mentoring when you struggle in your area of study. The love makes everything more meaningful. It’s an awesome model of support for students, it’s unique and amazing.
I made a decision while I was that if UWT has a space for me, I would give back through volunteering my time in mentoring other students who need support in their studies and also by giving motivational talks to vulnerable girls that UWT is supporting. I am prepared to give back financially as well in the future to ensure that this initiative continues. I believe initiatives such as UWT should be supported by all including us students who have benefited from the Trust by contributing financially so that more people continue to benefit from this Trust. I never met the woman behind the Trust but I am eternally grateful for her kind heart to support post-graduate students pursue their goals. Education is an eternal inheritance that one is given, it keeps growing and producing more and more fruits.
I have already started working towards my PhD though I am planning to take 2014 as a break to recharge before I continue. I feel fired up and ready to go!
Thank you Charmaine, Gary, Lindy and Cath for being such a candle of hope in our lives. God bless you all abundantly!
Thank you UWT and may God add more to the financial blessings that you have given me.
January 2013
Happy new year and new season to all at Umama WothandoTrust. I hope 2013 will be awesome for all of us!
It’s amazing how time flies. Here we are in 2013! 2012 has been a great year for me through the invaluable support from the Trust that saw me managing to finish my coursework and 85% of my concentration.
I have managed to finish my coursework for the 12 modules and passed all with 9As and B so far, 2 grades are still outstanding. My last session was in Italy in June, it was awesome! The weather was beautiful and the courses were well presented.
My Concentration, is on Forced Migration Advocacy and this is what I have covered so far:
Field Practicuum presented at Villa Aurora in Italy in June, involved:
o Baseline and Benchmark Studies
o Presentation of findings and evaluation
Professional Training included
o Attending the International Summer School in Forced Migration, in July 2012 at Oxford University, UK.
o Synthesis Paper
o Colloquium
Independent Study involved
o Writing a Specialization Essay on Forced Migration in December 2012
I am currently working on my Research. My Concept Paper has been approved and I have started working on my research proposal. I hope to complete my Thesis by the end of November 2013, or earlier.
I am also preparing for my comprehensive exam which is 7 hours long, with 5 hours covering coursework and 2 hours covering my concentration. I hope to be ready for this by May 2013.