Biography

I had recently acquired a Master’s degree from Stephen F Austin State University and was working as a lecturer at the University of Swaziland when I was accepted into the KSAL programme. The Kellogg fellowship supported me in doing a PhD in Education at Rhodes University, South Africa which I completed in April 2012. To me, the LEARn leadership workshops were most meaningful, helpful and informative. There are three main aspects of these workshops that made a difference in my life. Firstly, the training on helping others help themselves through making use of resources found within communities was something that felt very practical and applicable to improving the economic situation of our communities. There are various strategies we were equipped with that I want to try in my community. Secondly, the training on research methods was very important to me because it gave me a base that prepared me for PhD study. This kind of training was most essential mainly because I lacked research knowledge and skills since I had done my Master’s degree through coursework. Lastly, the motivational talks which we were exposed to changed the way I looked at things, people, and myself. Specifically, they made me realise the potential within people and within me to transform our situations. That is why today I feel capable of making a difference in my home and in my community. Though my salary has not increased as a result of acquiring a PhD, my status and ability to carry out my work has improved. Being given the opportunity to do a PhD in education helped me develop knowledge and skills in educational research which today helps me explore educational practices in Swaziland and ways in which it can be improved. Currently, I am preparing a book and a journal article on the education system of Swaziland. These will be my first publications after completing the PhD. I believe that, having gone through PhD study, I am now a better lecturer than before and that I acquired relevant skills and knowledge that I needed to prepare better teachers. Being effective in my work is crucial because the teachers I am training will be working directly with children helping them acquire business knowledge and skills that may put them in a position to help themselves in difficult times. I believe my employer (UNISWA), the children of Swaziland (since I train teachers who will be teaching in the different schools of Swaziland), and the Swazi nation as a whole indirectly benefited from my KSAL training and PhD. The generosity of Kellogg is very much appreciated.