Deirdre Swartz
September Graduation
Thirsty for knowledge
Deirdre Swartz constantly sought to expand and improve her
educational skills. After completing an advanced diploma of
educators for adults, a certificate in education technology
and an advanced certificate in education for mathematical
literacy she pondered upon the next step.
The spark to know and achieve more was ignited and a
Masters degree in the Faculty of Community and Health
Sciences begun.
Deirdre’s research explores the adolescent female learner’s
knowledge and experience of her basic human rights at school
and whether the school provides sufficient information so that the
learner is able to gain adequate knowledge about her human rights.
Deirdre’s interest in Human Ecology began after the completion of her Matric, she
wanted to go to a nursing college.
“During my interview at Tygerberg Hospital the professor introduced me to Human
Ecology, I did not know much about the degree,” she goes on to say, “Thus far I do not
regret completing a BA Human Ecology degree.”
Deirdre explains that community involvement in her research can be seen in the form of
civic education as it aims at promoting active and responsible citizenship in the context
of modern democracies.
With regards to her research, it is the facilitation of human rights though non-
governmental organisations who are invited to schools to add valuable reinforcement
about human rights through co- and extra-curricular activities.
Off campus Deirdre teaches at an adult centre (ABET). She facilitates and assists in the
education of adult learners who were not able to read and write.
Deirdre’s supervisor advised that she attend the Postgraduate Enrollment and
Throughput Programme (PETP), which she did to her benefit.
She expresses, “PET Programme’s assistants cannot be measured in words but only in
deeds.”
She continues to say that from the first meeting, through proposal formulation and into
the development and writing up of her research, PETP was a guiding light.
She encourages that all students who are completing a postgraduate degree should
make use of the PET Programme.
Deirdre admits that one of her struggles of her postgraduate degree was being
technologically challenged, “Typing out assignments took a long time but I did them and
did not give up.”
Deirdre would like to use her knowledge to add value to Human Ecology and research.
She would also like to complete a Doctoral degree in Human Ecology and write articles
for publication.
She recommends that prospective postgraduates know or have an idea of what they
want to study before they start their studies.
She further suggests that they be diligent and resilient and not to give up- no matter
what.