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Maureen dedicates her MBA to Levy

Maureen dedicates her MBA to Levy
Written by Anthony Mukwita in Perth, Australia
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 4:19:32 AM

MAUREEN Mwanawasa, the widow of president Levy Mwanawasa, received special mention at the Perth Convention Centre in Western Australia (WA) when she graduated with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) last Saturday.

The former first lady immediately dedicated the degree to her husband who died seven months ago after suffering from a stroke at the peak of her studies.

“This degree is dedicated to my husband, the former president,” Maureen said in an interview, “He encouraged me to pursue a higher degree and I had to struggle to complete it after his demise...it was not easy given the circumstances but I am glad I did it. I only feel bad that he is not around to physically witness this, but I know he is proud of me and I am proud of him,” Maureen said.

She said she wanted to encourage Zambians to rise against all odds and get a university education, especially now with the global economic crisis because it was the only insulation against future hardships.

“That is why I would like to encourage fellow Zambians to get a higher education at all costs,” Maureen said. “I know things are bad home especially now but that must be seen as a challenge.”

Maureen also declared that she would not end at the Masters degree: “I am going to enrol for a PHD soon. I want to write a serious paper on women and children and poverty. As a mother I think I’m well equipped for such a challenge.”

On the economic situation in Zambia, Maureen reluctantly said: “I always say President Banda has only been in the office of the President for three months, I would personally like to give him a benefit of doubt for now. If you ask me about his performance a year from now, I will give you a candid response.”

Maureen also disclosed that she would be receiving an honorary doctorate degree from a university in California, United States next month, which she would also dedicate to the late president.

Dozens of Zambians graduated with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees alongside Maureen.

Labels: EDUCATION, MAUREEN MWANAWASA, MWANAWASA, UNIVERSITIES

posted by MrK @ 4:19 AM