London School of Economics with full Scholarship

Munira Shaheen daughter of Mr.Jalal-ud-Din Shah, a resident of Daniyore District Gilgit, makes Karakorum International University proud by securing admission at one of best universities of United Kingdom with full scholarship.

She had done her  secondary education from Army Public School & College, Gilgit, and high schooling from Public School and College, Gilgit.

She earned a degree of BBA(hon) from Karakurum International University Gilgit. She Applied for MSc in Anthropology and Development at London School of Economics. After rigorous process of screening she was selected from hundreds of students around the the world who have applied for the Ms Program.She also secured Masters Award which includes tuition and living expenses during entire stay at London School of Economics.She is first graduate of KIU to enter into London school of Economics.

When Blog Team approached her and asked about her objectives and goal at  London School of Economics?

She said: The programme of MSc in Anthropology and Development from London School of Economics and Political Science is a great opportunity to fulfill my aspiration of studying key issues in development studies. MSc in Anthropology and Development with its notion of the empirical research and qualitative teachings of international standard will be a great exposure for me to understand the disciplines of social anthropology and international development. I am particularly excited to benefit from of the ideal preparation for research work in anthropology, international development and related fields during this degree program.  An understanding of theoretical issues, including those of development and social science will provide a good foundation for anthropological research on problems connected with poverty, children and youth in contemporary ethnography and development studies.

Development sector in Pakistan is either bureaucratic or having an instrumental approach. Such an approach does not reflect the aspirations and needs of poor segments at policy and strategic levels. Benefits of development do not trickle down to marginalized segments in such a scenario. With the qualification of LSE in Anthropology and Development, I will be able to play an important role in exploring influence of local cultural ethos on the development process and practices. Another appealing feature of the program is that it will equip me with the necessary skills and ideas to understand grass root level communities’ needs and aspirations and help connect them with mainstream development.

Unlike the West, Pakistani society tends to encourage students to opt for natural sciences. The systematic discouragement of social science and humanities at structural level and social attitude results in extreme poverty in the domain of social research. Due to lack of understanding of social issues the policy makers fail to provide viable solutions to challenges posed by bad governance and poor economic performance. In order to bridge the gap between natural science and humanities, it is important to encourage humanities and social sciences among aspiring researchers in Pakistan. Considering the scarcity of social scientists in Pakistan especially from a rural area like Gilgit-Baltistan, I had decided to apply for the course of Anthropology of Development. It will not only help my country to address the issue of deficit of social scientists, but also help me to achieve my academic goals. It will also help me to enhance my knowledge and increase overall prospects of becoming lecturer and research in the development sector of Pakistan.

Ultimate objective during the award would be to benefit from ideal preparation for research work in anthropology, international development and related fields. I will focus on enhancing my knowledge and engage myself attentively in research environment at LSE that would enable me to have a global perspective in conducting research so that I could produce high-quality research in the field of anthropology and development studies in future.

The award has given  me a chance to live and study in a country, which has world’s most prestigious universities. Studying at LSE will enable me to learn from the world’s most ‘beautiful minds’. The diversity that is the hallmark of UK universities will be a great advantage and opportunity for learning about different cultures. The exposure to the European society  will help me appreciate and understand the country, its history and its people. Also, I will get the chance to share the Pakistani culture and traditions as well.

Its also an honour and a moment of proud for entire region of Gilgit-Baltistan,particularly   for Organization for Educational Change(OEC) that she has been vital part of Team OEC.