Siza Mtimbiri
PhD
Why did you choose to do it at Cambridge?
The renowned faculty, high expectations and a talented student body were instrumental in my choice of Cambridge. These factors, the immense research resources and the architectural beauty of the university made Cambridge the ideal place for me to study. Once I got here, of course, there were more surprises – endless guest speakers who are leaders in their field, opportunities to present my work in many varied workshops, the formals, rowing, tennis, punting, May Balls…
What have you gained from the course?
I have been able to do an extensive and intensive literature review that has enabled me to have an overall and clear understanding of the impact of HIV/AIDS on education in Zimbabwe and many other areas in Southern Africa; in the process I have been able to identify gaps in the literature about areas that remain uncovered and therefore are in need of further research: the plight of infected and affected children in rural primary schools. There is a need to research the experiences of infected and affected students in primary schools so that we may be able to better serve this growing population group with different needs; this research is pertinent for educational planning that is apt to use scarce resources effectively. This course has taught be to understand the intricacies of Education Research and how to undertake my own research in ways that not only contribute to new knowledge but can be verified by other experts in the field.
Did you find it difficult returning to studying later in your career?
I am a mature student with many years of teaching experience in different countries. My experiences have enhanced my work here in Cambridge; I find that I can relate to the education discourse in a much deeper level having been in the practice for so many years. I enjoy the deep theoretical underpinnings that guide various teaching philosophies and how theory and practice sometimes work together and how, at times, they seem to be at odds. Returning to school has not been difficult and coming to a mostly graduate community with mostly graduate students – St. Edmund's College –has made my transition even easier. At St. Edmunds you will be surrounded by academics with many years of practical experience who are nevertheless passionate about academics. The international atmosphere at St. Edmunds and in Cambridge as a whole has been a gratifying experience – to be able to be meet the world in one place is a rare experience that I have cherished. I brought my wife here and she is very happy. The university has all sorts of activities for families.