Personal Statement: Musitaffa Mweha I am writing to express my interest in applying for a Master of Science in Development Studies Degree Programme

starting in August 2011. My career objective is to bring excellence in humanitarian and sustainable development programming through exhibiting exquisite programme management skill and expertise in my scope of work. Furthermore, I intend to develop into an outstanding person in my work and to contribute to the strengthening of strategies which enhance the sustainable development of poverty stricken communities. This programme is a positive step towards building the capacity for dealing with sustainable development in Zimbabwe and the rest of the world. The Master of Science in Development Studies Degree Programme will provide the scope for the development of human resources that will help Zimbabwe find solutions to its social, political and economic challenges accumulated for the past ten years. Due to these challenges, Zimbabwe will find it difficult to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Hence, the degree programme is an opportunity for capacitating development practitioners like me to work for Zimbabwe in trying to contribute to some of the MDGs. The reason for choosing this specific Master Programme comes from the fact that in the near future I would like to get to know more things regarding for example; Environment and Sustainable Development; Development and Social Justice; Disaster and Livelihoods Management and Advanced Qualitative Research Methods. I already got some ideas and experience, but unfortunately until now I did not have the specific knowledge and specific tools for putting them in practice and that is why I know that this Master Programme would be excellent in strengthening my educational background and work experience. If I get selected for this Master Programme I will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best women universities and the fact that I will study in a predominantly women environment will give me the privilege to appreciate gender equality and equity in development work. I am also aware of the kind of dedication and perseverance I will need to have for achieving the best results in this Master Programme. Driven by the insights I get from working for United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and my experience working for Plan International, National AIDS Council, Ministry of Youth
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Development, Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Education, I envision becoming a Consultant in Sustainable Development. If I get an opportunity to study at Womens University in Africa, I would be prepared to make a contribution to the reduction of poverty in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, I would be equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand the complex relationships between poverty and sustainable development. I have experience in project management with demonstrated increasing responsibility as shown by my more than 8 years experience in development work especially in Vocational Training and Development, Community Development, HIV and AIDS and Child Protection. I have worked in high level Coordination roles as a Vocational Training Centre Head, District AIDS Coordinator, Orphan Support Coordinator and Programme Assistant. Finally, I can say that I look forward to join this Master of Science in Development Studies Degree Programme in order to prove my abilities and gain new skills and I will be patiently waiting for a positive reply.

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