1) What is your current position?
Presently I am still a student
2) What do you do in your present job?
I am a Masters student in Waldorf Education, an experience-based programme which draws more from the pedagogic and artistic works of the German philosopher and educationalist Rudolf Steiner. Presently I attend seminars, participate in educative talks and I am also in the writing phase of my Master’s thesis.
3) What was the subject of your thesis?
“School mapping policy and the reinforcement of social inequality: An analysis of the provision of basic education in Cameroon.” The main theme that ran through this work was access to basic education to learners. It deals with access related issues.
4) In what terms has your CIE master helped you in getting where you are today?
The knowledge gained from the CIE programme largely prepared me for my academic journey and equipped me with a completely new way of thinking. Today I realize the positive impact the CIE created in me once I am involved in group discussions and academic seminars in that what I learned in CIE most often situates me within the discussion.
5) Are there any specific topics/methods taught to you during the programme which is more relevant to you in your current position?
Yes, quite much especially from the core focus areas of CIE. With this I am making reference to the major themes which we were taught. During my time as a student of this programme, I was interested in access but with time another prominent theme in international education has caught my attention which is the relevance of education. This is one of the main reasons why I have now refocused my research interest on the role of arts education in achieving the developmental goals of developing economies. I have observed that elements of local culture are more visible in the arts which can greatly contribute in making the learning experiences not seen as mere abstractions.
6) Why did you choose the CIE programme?
I chose the CIE programme because it revolves around global education issues and education is just that thing which one needs to make a difference in his or her life. Another reason was its interdisciplinary nature. From the programme content, I was sure that the themes would be interconnected in one way or the other with diverse fields of study. This idea did not fail me as a once into the programme I realized how we, coming from different fields of study, got connected to the CIE with ease.
7) Where do you see yourself career wise in the future?
I see myself in a local or international NGO serving in a department that is related to education or public relation. This is because from the awareness created in me through my participation in the CIE programme, I have realized that each situation and context needs to be prescribed a type of education that is most appropriate to it.
8) Any additional comments you may have for future applicants to the CIE programme are welcome.
For the future applicants to the CIE programme, I would like to say that say that the CIE is a programme that takes care of the changing and challenging nature of global education systems. Its openness to different fields of study coupled with the diversity of students makes it an amazing experience.
The CIE is like a magnificent house where the different educational thoughts, practices and diversity of its participants contribute to its construction.