I’ve been able to study in Glasgow thanks to a unique scholarship partnership between GCU and housing association ng Homes. So, while GCU supports me through my studies, ng has given me a home. I’m very grateful.
The partnership has been supporting Malawian students develop our home country’s infrastructure since 2014. I work for the Malawian Government’s Ministry of Lands in estate management. We allocate parcels of land, so have to bring in all the vital services to that area – roads, power, water. I wanted to study outside Malawi to see how projects are planned and managed in the developed world and because there is no course like this at home, I would never have been able to study in the UK without this scholarship. It has changed my career.
I’ve loved having the opportunity to meet people from industry as it has given me an insight into how things work here compared to a developing county. I can’t wait to share what I have learned at home.
Completing a Masters in one year is a lot of pressure and has been challenging but it has been exciting and I have enjoyed all of my time at GCU, particularly meeting the wonderful friends I have made from all over the world and the supportive staff who are always there for you.
I was welcomed to Glasgow by the ‘meet and greet’ ambassadors, who say hello, answer any questions you have and advise on getting to the city centre. I really appreciated knowing that someone was meeting me off the flight as I had never been in the UK before. We were warmly welcomed by ng Homes, too, and they – like the staff at GCU – have been very supportive.
I have loved being in Glasgow – it’s safe, friendly, has wonderful museums and the city’s architecture is a fantastic combination of the new and buildings from way, way back.
And, of course, this area of Scotland has a strong connection with Malawi through David Livingstone, so I’m looking forward to visiting his home just outside the city.
I’ve missed my family very much so I’m looking forward to seeing my parents and my five-year-old daughter. I haven’t seen her since August. Before I go home, though after graduation, I’m stopping off in London. I want to see London Bridge – from the song we all sang in Malawi!
Congrats nema.
Thanks!