How This Young Lady From Madagascar Bagged An African Union Commission Fully-Funded Scholarship
Scholarships Info
Scholarships Info sat down with Mirana Andriarisoa, a young UNFCCC fellow from Madagascar for an enlightening interview on how she bagged a fully-funded Master’s Scholarship to Study at the Pan African University Institute of Water and Energy Sciences – PAUWES
Thank you so much for taking the time with us today. Briefly introduce yourself and the scholarship (s) you have won in the past.
I am Mirana Andriarisoa, an economist and energy policy expert from Madagascar and currently I am a climate fellow at UNFCCC. I am an alumna of the Pan African University for Water and Energy Sciences (PAUWES) where I benefited scholarship from the African Union.
What motivated you to apply for this/these scholarship (s)?
I applied for the Pan African University scholarship because first of all, PAUWES offers a major in Energy Policy and I’d always been interested in pursuing a Master’s in a field related to renewable energy. Second, the scholarship is under the flagship of the African Union, which I expected to be a good opportunity to grow at the international level.
Now that you are done with your studies (scholarship), are you planning to pursue further studies in the near future? If YES, kindly explain why
I am not sure yet if I would pursue a Ph.D. or continue with my career.
Are you recording successes in relation to your scholarship studies? In other words, how have your scholarship-related studies helped you in the world of work?
The Pan African University scholarship has been one of my major doors to international exposure and to work in an international organisation.
Judging from your previous experience, what is the secret for one to win a scholarship?
Take time when doing the application. Do not make a standard application for different scholarship. Always read well the call for application, the requirements, provide all potential documents which may help, and proofread the application before submitting.
Do you think African Governments are doing enough to expand the academic opportunities to African students, especially the disadvantaged?
They are trying but much more effort is required.
Are there any exemplary scholarship programs being done across the African continent which you think should spread to other countries?
Yes, for example, the Pan African University should be spread to other countries but before expanding, they should make sure to enhance the quality of the program already offered first.
On the global stage, do you think African students and professionals are afforded the same opportunities as those from other continents? Do you think Africans are doing enough to take advantage of the availed global opportunities?
If a full scholarship is provided then I can say yes they have the same opportunities. The issues are in terms of lack of information for Africans.
What do you think is the best route to ensure that all students and professionals who are awarded opportunities abroad return to their home countries upon completion of their studies and internships rather than utilizing their skills in foreign lands?
The home country should ensure that its economic and social policies and conditions are favorable for young students and professionals. That includes the availability of jobs to take them, less corruption, favorable environment for entrepreneurship, …
What advice would you give to someone out there in need of a scholarship
Perseverance. Don’t get discouraged to apply and always improve yourself
ENDS.
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ALSO, CHECK: A Look Into How This Brilliant Young Kenyan Won A Fully-Funded Master’s Scholarship In 2018
