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EU Development Studies Co-operation
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Congratulations to two of our Masters students, who have recently received scholarships under the EUSA-ID development studies co-operation programme.
Congratulations to two of our Masters students, who have recently received scholarships under the EUSA-ID development studies co-operation programme.
Mnqobi Banele Njoko (left) was awarded a scholarship for Master in
Development Management at the Ruhr University, Bochum (Germany) and
Nomonde Mbhele (right), a scholarship for a study period at University
of Jyväskylä (Finland) to participate in Master in Social Science
(Specialization in Development and International Cooperation).
Njoko is pictured here with Britta Niklas (Coordinator S.A. -German
Centre for Development) (left) Dr Gabrielle Bäcker (Executive Director
of the Faculty, Ruhr University) (right).
Banele Njoko
is at Ruhr University of Bochum, Germany, where he is
registered for a Masters in Development Management. He has a particular
interest in Public Policy Development.
He says 'Its my second time in Germany but its a whole new experience as
now I'm here full time rather than on exchange, and in a different
university and city. The programme attracts mostly international
students. Being amongst other international students makes it a bit
easier to adapt because you are all learning and you develop support for
each other. The academic and support staff have so far been great with
regard to our concerns and been very welcoming. Generally, I love the
Germans, I've had the best experiences with them.'
He adds 'I'm very grateful for my scholarship. I always dreamed of
receiving a qualification from Europe and at some point, I almost gave
up, but nothing is impossible if you dedicate yourself, have faith, not
be shy to say when you need help, believe in yourself and your goals.
Also I'm very grateful for having been in Development Studies and
Community Development at UKZN, the support we get is amazing. The doors
that Development Studies have opened for me as a student have been
empowering in ways that go beyond the lecture venue. I'm grateful to Dr
Ngcoya, Prof Sithole, Priya Konan, Ms Phindile Shangase and my
Supervisor, Prof Ballard for the support, advice and encouragement
throughout my studies. But most important, I'm grateful and lucky to
have a mother who supports me through and through.'
Nomonde's first impressions of being in Finland:
'The transport system seems to be great, it just lovely how pedestrians
and cyclists are taken into account on the roads. Walking and owning a
bicycle seems to be very vital and widely used which I think is good for
the body and the environment. I must say I just love how the drivers
are so respectful of pedestrians.' She comments 'I am looking forward to
the Jyvaskylan teaching and learning pedagogy and sharing the knowledge
I have learnt in UKZN to understand development as soon as the classes
begin in September. As for now, I will continue to enjoy the daylight
saving time and reading Finnish words in isiZulu while pronouncing them
in my poor Finnish accent. Kiitos (thank you).'
Masters Students
