Getting Her Masters in Scotland

Students Empowering Students member Rosemary Msoka has set the bar high for her fellow SES members!

Rosemary has been a member of Asante Sana For Education’s Students Empowering Students Program since the very beginning in 2010 when she volunteered with us to tutor primary school students while she was in Secondary School. She graduated from Bagamoyo Secondary School in 2012 and because of her high exam results she was selected to attend the University of Dar es Salaam. Unfortunately, despite her great grades in high school and because of her choice of study, Environmental Science, the Tanzanian Government did not offer her a loan and she would not have been able to attend the University without the support of ASFE. Her sponsor gave her an amazing opportunity and allowed her to complete her studies and she graduated this past November at the top of her class. After graduation, the University in the Environmental Department immediately hired her. In addition to working at the University she has started a non-profit organization with fellow environmentalists. Rosemary is now working towards her Masters in Geographical Information Systems on a full scholarship at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, UK, which she should obtain in January 2018. She just completed her dissertation titled Geospatial Techniques in Monitoring Mangrove Forests Conservation in The Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park, in Mtwara, Tanzania. Her dissertation is about using remote sensing and geographical information systems for Mangrove Forests. Rosemary told us about some of the challenges she has overcome in Scotland: “When I arrived at Aberdeen, in early January, it was difficult for me to cope with the weather because it was so cold. I also found it challenging to stay away from my family and friends. But, as time went on I slowly got used to the weather and now I am enjoying my stay - since it is now summer. Although my studies are challenging I have been working hard to make sure I come out with flying colors. As the saying goes ‘When the going gets tough the tough get going’.”