MARIAN TAKUDZWA, 27 YEARS

My name is Marian Takudzwa Zhakata. I am a 23-year-old (female) from Zimbabwe. I have an undergraduate degree in law from Near East University. I come from a family of 4: My mother Glenda is a nurse and my father is a self-employed technical engineer. I have 1 sister called Myrrh Oksana who is ten years younger than me and whom I am very close to.

My first language is Shona, and I am also fluent in English. My English skill is equal to the native level. I also have basic knowledge of French and Turkish. I am particularly interested in experiencing family life outside Zimbabwe since it offers a cultural context that is undoubtedly different from mine. For this reason, I would very much like to be part of your family.

When it comes to child care experience, I have looked after children in both formal and informal contexts. I used to volunteer to spend time with orphans in orphanages during my high school years. Among others, I was a Sunday school teacher with children aged 5 to 10 years. I also organized for them and took part in recreational indoor and outdoor activities.

I have helped my parents look after my sister since she was born. Although my looking after her was now restricted due to my university studies, as a teenager I was nevertheless much more involved in caring for her on a daily basis. In addition, my little sister, also spent a lot of time playing with our neighbor's two children the same age as my sister, so from time to time, I found myself in their ever animated company. I can comfortably say that I sincerely enjoy spending time with children. When it comes to leisure, I take pleasure in the simple things in life. I enjoy being outdoors, being with my friends, going for walks, visiting places I have not been to, watching documentaries and reading a good book.

In about two years I plan to pursue a Master's degree in International Law. So, at the moment, I would like to take some time out of academics to have a different life experience. To this end, I think spending a year abroad as an au pair would be particularly interesting. I would be happy to have the opportunity to speak with you: to answer whatever questions you may have about me or my childcare experiences; to learn more about your family; your interests and to know more about what you expect from the au pair arrangement.

Thank you very much for taking the time to review my application.
I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely,
Marian