Covid19 – Opportunity for Positive Change
Covid-19 has impacted universities and colleges around the world, causing major changes to student’s life. These changes, from not being able to live on campus to taking classes online, have taken their toll on college students financially, academically, and mentally.
Community students were asked how they were dealing with the pandemic and what was the positive outcome from it.
Dayyana Shivji from Mombasa Jamaat graduated in May 2020 with BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance, writes;
“I completed my undergraduate in Bachelors’ of Arts with an Honors in accounting and finance at Middlesex University Dubai in May 2020 and currently pursuing the professional papers of ACCA at PwC’s Academy in Dubai, UAE.
During the pandemic, I opted to continue staying in Dubai and due to the situation of the job market I wanted to enhance my professional qualifications further, therefore, I enrolled myself to undertake the ACCA qualification after receiving nine paper exemptions from the Middlesex University undergraduate degree as part of the ACCA syllabus was covered in the course.
When UAE went into full lockdown, we were in the revision phase for the end of year exams. However, the University was very efficient in communicating the transition to remote learning and online exams. The classes ran with minimal disruption and technical problems and they ensured the e-learning materials and platforms were easily accessible for all. Although, e-learning was slightly different as we were not accustomed to it as we were more focused on face-to-face learning techniques.
However, the staff and faculty were very supportive and encouraging making the transition pretty smooth.
Moreover, I am very grateful to AFED for keeping a watchful eye on the health and safety of their students and supporting them throughout the pandemic. The University also had support staff and virtual counselling sessions for those who needed assistance. The lockdown and pandemic have surely brought about some positive changes as it forced me to take a big step back and re-evaluate my life, comprehend how to thrive rather than just survive. It also taught me to be grateful for what we have. Life is precious. It has reminded me to appreciate the small things in life that we often take for granted.
With so many deaths and illnesses each day, I am grateful for my family, friends, and faith in Islam making me more dedicated in my supplications. Furthermore, I witnessed an enormous sea of kindness being exposed within the communities around the world as I saw acts of selflessness in various institutions being implemented. We used our strengths and resources to serve those in need inspiring others around us. This taught me that we must be able to co-operate locally when we face local challenges, nationally when we face national challenges, and globally when we face global challenges. “
AFED Education Board takes this opportunity to congratulate Dayyana on her achievement and pray for more successes in her future endeavors.
Students who are studying or have completed their studies and may wish to share their experiences are welcome to write to us, please contact the Education Admin Secretary on the following Email address: education@africafederation.org
Secretariat
Africa Federation Education Board