Ramazani Katanangwa

Meet Ramazani Katanangwa, a former ABMA student from Kenya who studied Community Development at Kenya Institute of Social Work and Community Development in Nairobi.

Since completing his ABMA Advanced Diploma he went on to secure a position with World Vision before setting up his own Non-Governmental Organisation called the Ophrah Africa Foundation (OAF).

Here he tells us of his experiences as an ABMA student:

To what degree do you feel the skills you have obtained from your ABMA studies are relevant to your chosen career?

I am proud to say that the ABMA course I studied inspired me and showed me how to start and manage my own organisation. The research carried out during my ABMA studies, as well as the ABMA Dissertation, have helped me to understand the needs of my community and also how to prioritise tasks.

How have employers responded to your international qualification from the ABMA?

World Vision responded very positively to my ABMA Diploma 2 qualification in Community Development and consequently I was offered the job as Systems Operator which involved assisting in all sponsorship projects.

Such is the strength of ABMA qualifications, that after I completed my ABMA Advanced Diploma, I was immediately promoted to Assistant Zonal Officer. This was a big promotion for me and proves how much organisations such as World Vision value ABMA qualifications.

What advantages do you think an ABMA qualification gave you in the job market?

ABMA qualifications give people a big advantage in the job market. The qualifications were very well respected by World Vision and because the qualifications are so well designed, I had the confidence to launch my own organisation. I now have five people working at OAF.

The ABMA qualification in Community Development covers many vital issues in modern society such as social work, community health and poverty. This information is important as these are issues that occur in the real world and our jobs are designed to address them.

How do you think you and other students benefit from an international qualification?

The most important benefit for me and other students I have spoken to is that these ABMA qualifications are internationally recognised. The syllabus is designed so that it can be studied anywhere around the world and still be relevant to each student regardless of where that student is based. Because of this, students holding ABMA qualifications can apply for jobs worldwide and employers know that the person will perform well.

Many large organisations are looking for such suitably qualified individuals to fill roles such as consultants, managers and researchers.

Would you recommend ABMA Diplomas to other students?

Yes. I would certainly ask my friends and other students to undertake ABMA courses as they benefit the student as well as the local community.

ABMA is the best examinations board in Africa because it invests in the people, these people then help to strengthen Africa in the future.