Vimbainashe Prisca Dembedza from Zimbabwe is 27 years old and lives in Marondera. She obtained her MPhil in Nutrition Sciences from Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in 2022 and currently works at the same university as a Research Assistant. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Zimbabwe.
Please tell us a bit about yourself!
I am a highly motivated, goal oriented and hardworking lady with the goal of learning and uplifting others so that together we make a difference. I am a well-versed researcher in the field of nutrition and food systems. I am also a counsellor in the nutrition field and this has helped me to help others by spreading accurate and helpful information which is more sustainable in alleviating malnutrition or any other health related problem.
In my free time I enjoy reading, researching new ideas, travelling and exploring new places. In 10 years I hope to have obtained my doctorate degree and established the under-researched nutrition and culture sector into something people understand and appreciate.
Which scholarships or fellowships have you received?
I received the Arts and Humanities Research Council Research Grant in 2022, which enabled me to conduct the research for my Master’s degree.
How did you experience the Africademics Scholarship Ambassador Programme?
I applied for the programme because I received mentoring when I applied for my scholarship and I experienced how much easier this made the whole process. So I also wanted to give back by having the chance to be someone’s mentor and make the process easy for them. Becoming a Scholarship Ambassador has been a wonderful experience. I have taught and also learnt a lot, both from my mentee and from the Ambassador training programme.
The journey with my first Scholarship Mentee has been a fun and educative one, and I like how she was so willing to learn and achieve something from this. We have searched for opportunities together, discussed them in detail, reviewed her qualifications vis-a-vis the requirements and now we are getting ready to apply for some of the scholarships we identified together.
Why would you recommend the Scholarship Ambassador Programme to others?
There are many opportunities advertised on the Africademics platform that are not easy to come by if one is not a part of the community. The Ambassador programme is also a wonderful network where you can get all the help you need with your own scholarship journey.
How can Africademics community members get in touch with you?
You are welcome to contact me on Instagram or via the Africademics online learning platform.
