Scholarships Info sat down with David A. CHIKWAZA, a Zimbabwean scholar for an enlightening interview on how he was granted a fully-funded Ph.D. Research Scholarship to Study at Dublin City University.
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 David A. Chikwaza, and I was awarded a Ph.D. Research Scholarship by Dublin City University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, DCU.
What motivated you to apply for this/these scholarship (s)?
I have always wanted to study abroad, especially for my doctoral studies. I wanted exposure and access to global opportunities
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 haven’t completed my studies I just started
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?
I am yet to tell.
Judging from your previous experience, what is the secret for one to win a scholarship?
Consistency, being open-minded, persistence, hard work, aligning self with trends and demands
Do you think African Governments are doing enough to expand the academic opportunities
to African students, especially the disadvantaged?
More could be done, especially by ensuring more access to the internet.
Are there any exemplary scholarship programs being done across the African continent which you think should spread to other countries?
Rhodes Scholarship Program, Canon Collins Trust Scholarship, Chevening Scholarship Program, etc
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?
I think African Students and Professionals are yet to be afforded the same opportunities as those from other continents. More still needs to be done to ensure those from the African continent have more access to the internet. More awareness should be done to encourage the aforementioned to take advantage of the available opportunities.
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?
That one is a tricky one. First African authorities and policy makers need to create working and confidence-instilling frameworks that foster a competitive business environment. Those abroad need to be assured they will be rewarded for their hard work and acquired exposure, which means competitive wages. Africa has a long way to go in achieving this.
What advice would you give to someone out there in need of a scholarship
Do not give up. Keep at it and sometimes a congratulation after numerous “we regret.” So do not let anything or anyone make you give up. There is no formular really, like my supervisor once told me “Winning a scholarship is like winning lottery.” Just keep applying. You will get it so long you don’t give up.
END.
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David Chikwaza is a Dublin-based Zimbabwean Academic and development practitioner. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Dublin City University School of History and Geography. His research and studies are currently being funded by the DCU Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. He can be contacted at: [email protected],
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