Tamanda
Peace, Conflict and Development
- Chose Bradford because the renowned Division of Peace Studies and International Development
- Member of the YA Life Society
- Is going to move to East Africa to work with marginalised groups of people
- Aspires to become a policy maker
Why did you decide to study at the University of Bradford?
I knew that the Peace Studies Department has a very good reputation and is internationally recognised. After a little more research, I found out its actually one of the best in the world.
I looked at courses globally, not just the UK and in my opinion Bradford offered the best modules. The fact there was so much choice and diversity really appealed to me, I particularly like the African Politics module here.
What sparked your interest in peace and conflict?
After my undergraduate degree in International Development, I did an internship at TEVET Authority in Malawi. I found it really interesting, it was about technical education, particularly working with women and girls in education.
From this experience I realised I wanted to do something in gender equality, but I didn’t want to do it in the conventional sense. I wanted to study gender equality in conflicting countries with marginal people such as refugees and asylum seekers.
What type of work do you want to do once you graduate?
I'm interested in working in East Africa. I was born in Malawi and I regularly visit there. I want to move back to a developing country, I'm not sure where yet but I want to work on the ground helping people.
I particularly would like to work with young girls and young adult women that have gone through FGM. I initially thought FGM mainly happened in East Africa but I've learnt that it actually happens in other parts of Africa, it's just not talked about. I guess I just want to help with bringing awareness to issues like that.
Do you feel that you've settled in well at Bradford?
Definitely, the University helps with that too. If you're having difficulties with anything you can talk to anyone and they're understanding and flexible.
I joined the YA Life society when I started. It's a Christian society that gets together every Thursday evening to just talk and hangout. We all go to church together on Sunday and I sometimes volunteer to help in the daycare.
I have met a lot of people through the society, not just other students from different courses but also within the community.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I definitely want to go and work with the women on the ground for a couple of years. With that experience, I then want to go and work with organisations that make and change policies that will help people.
I want to be a policy maker and I think I can only do that efficiently if I've actually got that real-life experience.
