Case Study A - Stephen Kawimbe

Stephen works for the Zambian parliament, which oversees the government’s development work. He says the MA in Development Studies will help him to ‘understand better what the government is doing, and also that I can offer better advice to committees when they are reviewing government development plans and activities.’

His dissertation will examine the highly important issue of whether government subsidies, with regard to a fertiliser support programme in particular, are actually doing anything to achieve household food security.

The workload is difficult, with ‘a lot of assignments, exams and tests. But fortunately the staff is very open and you can walk into an office at any time and get advice. Also we have a very well stocked library and the internet system is really good. So it’s just a question of putting the effort in.’

Another bonus of the course is the international makeup of development professionals in the classroom. ‘We have quite an interesting mix,’ explains Stephen. ‘Most of the coursework is really participative. We are broken up into groups and share our experiences. Sometimes this can be shocking - some things you might take for granted in your own country may not be the same in another country - but it’s also very interesting.’

Stephen’s stay in Ireland has been pleasurable. He finds the Irish to be friendly and the native of landlocked Zambia has also enjoyed trips to the seaside, and the beautiful heritage site at Glendalough. 

It is the standard of education however, that has most impressed him. ‘I’d really encourage students to come to Ireland. The tertiary education system is very well developed and for development workers especially, it’s very hands-on, practical and intensive training.’