A MALAWIAN LOOKING FOR SPONSORSHIP IN MSc. POPULATION STUDIES AT UNIVERSITY OF GRONINGEN IN NETHERLANDS

My aim to pursue a Master’s degree in Population Studies is fueled by my desire to contribute to the development of my country, improve on my career prospects and better myself academically.

Like any developing country, Malawi is overwhelmed by rapid population growth that has a direct impact on socio-economic development. For instance, the annual population growth rate in Malawi is at 2.8 percent   which is attributed to high fertility rate and short birth interval that are felt intensely at level of individual household which is the basic unit of production and reproduction which also affects development.

The Master of Science in Population studies will enable me to contribute to my country because of its interdisciplinary approach. The program will develop my understanding of the theory and strategies used to address demographic issues and to learn how these have been applied in real-life case studies effectively.

In particular, I like the program because of its focus on demographic health survey which encompasses a wealth of information related to demography and reproductive health all over the world. These are some of the challenges that are currently affecting my country heavily. For instance, the 2008 Malawi population and housing census indicate that there was an increasing trend in number of persons per household over the three decades.

In addition, the program will broadly develop and improve my understanding of the contemporary issues affecting not only my country but also developed countries worldwide. Academically, the degree will provide me with problem solving skills, managerial skills, and critical analytical skills that are relevant to tackling demography related issues and sustainability of any nature. Alongside that, it will also offer a solid grounding in research in population studies and enhance my understanding of the field.

My reason for applying to the University of Groningen is that being an international centre for research, it has a long tradition in the study of international issues and development of non-western demography and reproductive health in developing countries. On a related note, Malawi, as stipulated in the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), is currently embarking on natural resources conservation, safe motherhood, family planning and other related programs affected by the growing population.

The faculty of Spatial Sciences in this university is quite prominent among its counterparts in the field. I am particularly attracted by the School’s powerful pedagogical resource, vibrant intellectual atmosphere and a comprehensive curriculum. It is also an opportunity to meet different people from all walks of life, gain in-depth knowledge of other people’s cultures, their way of life, and help me to appreciate my own. It will enable me to know and understand how other people view demographic related issues in their countries. My interest is to gain the capacity to carry out research and understand the extent to which various demographic issues are affecting people at household level, for example, fertility, infant mortality, life expectancy and migration, among others.

My ultimate goal is to earn a PhD in the field of population studies. In terms of my career, attaining this Master’s degree will enable me to understand population dynamics at a higher level in my chosen field. On completion of my Master’s degree, I hope to continue working with the Malawi government or Non-governmental organizations. I have no doubt that population studies at the University of Groningen will meet the criteria of intellectual rigor that I have set for myself, for my educational goal, and for those I have promised to serve.

Malawi being a 3^rd world nation, I am unable to raise the money to pay for my tuition fees hence need for the scholarship. It will help me to access the kind of education that I wouldn’t otherwise access because of being financially handicapped.

Considering the above, I envision it worthy while to bestow me a scholarship in Master’s of Science in Population Studies at Groningen University.

Yours faithfully,

Mwiza Gideon Singini.

My Contacts are:mwizasingini@gmail.com

C/o Chaminade Catholic Secondary School

P.O.Box 100.

Karonga

Malawi.

Cel:+265(0) 99 9274 869 or +265(0) 888 683 293