I am a recent graduate from the University of East Anglia where I studied for an MA in Development Studies.Being able to help people overcome poverty and live a sustainable lifestyle has been my goal since beginning my university career. I am interested in seeing changes in people’s lives and becoming part of their life. I can achieve my goal by being directly involved in policy formulation and implementation to help change the situation of most people for the better. I strongly believe that working in International Development will fully equip me with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills necessary to achieve my vision.
To ensure that I acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to work in International Development, I have volunteered to work in relevant agencies, such as Advice and Refreshment Centre and British Red Cross Refugee Orientation Service Norwich, putting my academic theory and principles into practice. Studying for MA in Development Studies and BSc Honours Degree in Sociology helped me to gain the following skills: the ability to research, collect and analyse large amounts of information; to weigh-up points and counter points; and to create a logical argument and reasoned conclusion from a set of facts. I have also learned to handle work under pressure, think critically and to communicate clearly which I believe are qualities vital to a career in International Development.
I am also a hardworking, enthusiastic and highly motivated individual who relishes taking challenges. I enjoy solving problems and I am determined to be successful in all aspects of my work. My work experience with the Red Cross as a volunteer raising awareness of and supporting refugees and asylum seekers both locally and nationally helped me to develop my interpersonal skills as I was working with people from diverse cultures and social backgrounds. I was actively involved with refugees helping them to become aware of their rights and assisting them to become independent in a foreign country. My duties included reading solicitors’ letters for them in cases where they could not understand the English language.
I also worked for Advice and Refreshment Centre (ARC) as a volunteer giving advice and providing basic necessities such as food, clothes and shelter to our clients. Some of our clients had problems with drugs and others were homeless. Working for ARC gave me an understanding of how people need to be included in making decisions that affect their life. The experience taught me the importance of the concepts of Human Rights and Social Inclusion in International Development
Thank you for considering my application
Yours Faithfully
Clement Nengomasha