At the age of two, he contracted poliomyelitis and lost the use of his legs. But even though ‘disability often meant exclusion from education, employment, and public life’, Mahmud refused to let it stop him.

‘At age seven, I overheard my father planning to enrol my younger brother in school. He was afraid to enrol me, not out of neglect, but out of fear that I would be bullied or broken by a system unprepared for a child with a disability and no mobility aid,’ he explains.

‘But I insisted. I cried, pleaded, and refused to be left behind.’

‘That was how my schooling began, crawling to and from school every day, often arriving home bruised, dusty, and exhausted. Yet, I never gave up. I studied harder, stayed focused, and eventually became the best pupil in my class.’

Fast forward to today and Mahmud is now a proud member of the Chevening alumni community. What’s more, he’s using what he learnt during his time in the UK to rewrite the narrative for people with disabilities.

In 2022, with the support of a Chevening Scholarship, Mahmud pursued a master’s in public health and health promotion at Brunel University of London.

Throughout his studies, Mahmud explored how social and environmental factors shape mental health outcomes for people with disabilities in low-resource settings. This not only broadened his academic horizon; it gave him the strategic insight and global perspective to address systemic inequities in Nigeria’s health and policy systems.

Upon returning to Nigeria, Mahmud was quick to put what he had learnt into practice.

While continuing his work with the HEAL Disability Initiative, Mahmud founded the Coalition for Disability Rights and Inclusion in Bauchi (CDRI-Bauchi), a group that has become ‘a catalyst for inclusive health governance in Northern Nigeria’.

As part of the coalition’s work, Mahmud led an advocacy campaign that prompted the Bauchi State Government to begin the process of transforming its agency for persons with disabilities into a fully functional commission.

‘The proposed bill I presented to the Bauchi State House of Assembly has now passed its first and second readings at the hallowed chamber of the Bauchi State House of Assembly,’ he shares. ‘I am [also] in close contact with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health regarding policy dialogues with the ministry to integrate disability perspectives into healthcare planning and implementation.’

But Mahmud’s work doesn’t stop there.

He currently serves as a human rights activist at the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF), contributing to cross-Commonwealth advocacy on inclusive development. And most recently, he was accepted into the Disabled Leaders Network (DLN) Advanced Leaders branch, a UK-based network that brings together global leaders driving disability inclusion across sectors.

‘All these achievements are grounded in the leadership training, critical thinking, and collaborative mindset that Chevening instilled in me.’

In addition to his advocacy work, Mahmud is inspiring future generations as a lecturer at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA).

‘In this capacity, I integrate disability perspectives into teaching and research, mentoring future public health professionals to view inclusion as a core element of sustainable health systems.’

Going forward, Mahmud hopes to influence the design of disability-inclusive health systems across Africa. He also plans to establish a ‘Mental Health and Disability Research Hub’ that will ‘advance research, policy innovation, and leadership training for inclusive governance’.

But ultimately, his goal is simple: ‘to build a world where inclusion is not an act of charity but a standard of justice and progress’.

As a first-generation refugee from Afghanistan, Heela has long been committed to using activism and storytelling to drive systems-level change. But studying in the UK with Chevening helped her to increase her impact and reach more people.

‘Chevening gave me the skills and visibility to launch projects that support thousands of people, and it continues to connect me with leaders and changemakers across the world.’

Read on to find out more.

‘Across the world, millions of young people in conflict and displaced communities are living with untreated trauma,’ Heela explains. ‘Research shows that more than 70% of refugees experience psychological distress, but less than 10% ever receive support… That leaves a huge gap.’

‘I know this first-hand. While working and leading projects, I was diagnosed with CPTSD and I didn’t understand how deeply it was linked to my experiences,’ she shares. ‘If I, with access to education and networks, struggled to recognise or address it, the barrier for a young refugee with no resources is even greater. Many don’t even know what help looks like, or how to ask for it.’

This gap is what led Heela to create MUSKA, a trauma-informed mobile app that combines mental health and sexual and reproductive health support with practical tools to help people rebuild their lives.

‘Most digital mental health tools are built for high-income countries, requiring stable internet, high literacy levels, or cultural familiarity that people in fragile contexts don’t have,’ she says.

That’s why MUSKA is available offline, uses a low level of data, and is accessible in Persian, Pashto, and English.

‘It connects mental health and sexual and reproductive health support with practical skills for business and tech,’ she explains. ‘Because healing alone is not enough… people also need tools to integrate and rebuild.’

With MUSKA, Heela aims to bring together policy, research, and AI-driven technology to create solutions that can be scaled across countries, particularly those facing rising levels of displacement due to climate disasters.

Studying in the UK with Chevening helped make this vision a reality.

‘Chevening opened the door for me to education, leadership opportunities, and global platforms that I would not have accessed otherwise,’ she reflects. ‘Coming to the UK through such a competitive scholarship gave me not just a degree, but the confidence and network to take my work further.’

Looking ahead, Heela’s determined to help more people.

‘My plans are always evolving with the realities around me, but the direction is clear. I want to keep building at the intersection of technology, mental health, and accessibility, making sure that young people and refugees in fragile contexts are not left behind.’

‘Scaling MUSKA is a key priority; expanding to more languages, integrating AI for personalised support, and linking wellbeing with skills for entrepreneurship and climate resilience.’

Wherever you are in the world, you’ll find inspiring Chevening alumni like Heela making a positive impact.

These tailored short courses are for mid-career professionals who have already reached a position of influence but want to increase their knowledge, networks, and potential, so that they can make a meaningful impact back home.

One such programme is the Chevening Western Balkans Cyber Security Fellowship.

Delivered by Cranfield University, this ten-week programme explores legislative and policy approaches to cyber security and the corresponding implications for national security, commercial opportunity, crime prevention, and the right to privacy.

For fellows, taking part in this programme is more than just a professional milestone; it’s a catalyst for long-term change.

Class of 2020 Chevening alumnus Predrag Puharic’s story is a testament to this.

Read on to find out how Predrag leveraged his Chevening Fellowship experience to advance his career and revolutionise the cyber security landscape in his home country.

How did you use your Chevening experience to make a positive impact back home?

‘Bosnia and Herzegovina lacked an independent and trusted institution to strengthen cybersecurity capacity for academia, civil society, and independent media.

Drawing on my Chevening experience, I founded the Cyber Security Excellence Centre (CSEC) – the first initiative of its kind in the country. CSEC has since become a recognised regional hub, providing threat intelligence, awareness training, and capacity-building projects supported by international partners.

In parallel, my professional journey led me into public service. I served as the Mayor of Sarajevo (2024–2025) and currently as Deputy Mayor, where I combine technical expertise with executive leadership. These roles allow me to demonstrate how international education and fellowships can translate into tangible public impact.’

How did your Chevening experience help you to achieve your goals?

‘Chevening gave me credibility and access to a powerful international network. The fellowship at Cranfield strengthened my academic and practical understanding of cyber policy, while also connecting me to mentors and peers who remain invaluable today.

It was also a platform from which I gained further recognition: after Chevening, I was selected for the CRDF Fellowship at Purdue University and later for the US State Department’s IVLP programme. These opportunities were possible because Chevening had already established me as a trusted and internationally engaged professional.’

What are your plans for the future?

‘My goal is to scale the impact of the Cyber Security Excellence Centre across the Western Balkans and further develop it into a regional hub for resilience, research, and training. At the same time, I will continue contributing to governance, whether in public office or through policy advisory work, where integrity and international cooperation remain central.

I see myself as part of a hybrid generation of leaders: rooted in technical expertise, strengthened by international fellowships, and committed to serving society through transparent and accountable governance.’

How could studying in the UK with a fully funded Chevening Fellowship help you achieve your goals?

Applications for several fellowship programmes are open until 7 October. Find out more and apply!

Indigenous communities in the Chiquitano Dry Forest region live close to jaguar habitats, but many see the animal as a threat to their safety and livestock, associating it with danger and loss. These perceptions, combined with external pressures from the wildlife trade, make conservation difficult.

Faced with this challenge, a group of Bolivian Chevening alumni came together to find a solution.

With the support of the Chevening Alumni Programme Fund (CAPF), they put together a plan to shift indigenous communities’ attitudes towards jaguar conservation.

The power of education and film

Working directly with indigenous communities, the Chevening alumni involved in this CAPF project worked hard to create a safe space for dialogue and learning.

The team led a series of interactive workshops across four communities: San Pablo Sur, San Isidro, San Juan, and El Carmen. During these workshops, they explained the ecological importance of jaguars and other native animals, addressed the human-wildlife conflict, and presented strategies for coexistence.

To make the information more engaging, they brought along life-size models of jaguars. Many of the participants admitted that seeing the models helped ease their fears, as they had always imagined them to be much bigger!

A central part of the CAPF project was the screening of Jaguar Spirit, a powerful documentary directed by Chevening alumna Emi Kondo that portrays the cultural and environmental significance of jaguars in Bolivia.

Screenings took place within rural communities, including a special showing in San Pablo Sur, where part of the film was originally shot. This fulfilled a promise to bring the story back to its people, allowing them to see their own forests and culture represented on screen, in their own language.

With popcorn included, the screenings became both an educational and celebratory event.

Inspiring the next generation

As part of the CAPF project, the team also engaged with students at Carlos Herrera High School in Concepción, the principal education institution for youth in the region. As well as watching the documentary, senior students participated in workshops and created posters about jaguar protection.

Helping young people to build pride in their natural heritage was a particular focus for the CAPF team, who were inspired by the words of UK broadcaster, biologist, and author Sir David Attenborough:

Creating a lasting impact

In total, nearly 200 people participated in the workshops and screenings.

Across the board, surveys conducted before and after the activities showed a significant shift in perception. While most people initially expressed fear or hostility toward jaguars, afterwards they reported greater understanding, a more positive attitude, and increased openness to conservation messages.

Some community members even requested future activities to ensure that wildlife conservation becomes a part of their children’s day-to-day lives. In the spirit of Chevening, this is a testament to the fact that the project didn’t just raise awareness of a pressing environmental issue; it also helped to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.

Faced with this challenge, Chevening alumnus Wassem Alward identified an opportunity: use artificial intelligence (AI) to modernise energy operations, reduce emissions, and promote a culture of sustainable innovation.

A decade on from completing his master’s at Heriot-Watt University, Wassem is making this dream a reality. We interviewed him to find out more.

When Wassem submitted his Chevening application in 2015, he knew he wanted to help Iraq transition to a cleaner, more efficient energy system.

‘Iraq’s oilfields are among the most productive in the world, yet they also represent a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions due to gas flaring, inefficient production practices, and aging infrastructure,’ he explains.

‘As the country seeks to maintain its role as a major energy exporter, it also faces increasing global pressure to decarbonise. The challenge lies in achieving meaningful emission reductions without compromising production and economic stability.’

As an accomplished geoscientist and engineer, Wassem had the industry experience to back his ideas, but he knew he needed to develop his leadership skills and increase his technical knowledge in order to drive meaningful change.

The Chevening Scholarship allowed him to do just this.

‘It was an opportunity to learn in a world-class academic environment, develop global perspectives, and build a network of exceptional professionals… many of whom continue to be part of business/personal network today,’ he says.

Wassem was especially interested in studying in the UK because of its culture of innovation. And he chose Heriot-Watt University’s Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering (IGE) for its internationally recognised expertise in the energy sector.

Throughout his year at Heriot-Watt, Wassem took part in a multidisciplinary, industry-focused MSc programme that blended classroom learning with real-world case studies, seminars, and software training.

It was during this time that he discovered the potential of AI in energy.

Fast forward a decade and Wassem is now leading the integration of AI into upstream operations across Iraq as part of his role at SLB, a global technology company ‘driving energy innovation for a balanced planet’.

‘My day-to-day work focuses on leading projects that embed AI models into core exploration, drilling, and production processes in Iraq,’ he explains. ‘These technologies help reduce waste, improve operational efficiency, and lower the carbon footprint of energy production.’

His work isn’t just about technology though; it’s contributing to a broader cultural and strategic shift.

‘We’re aligning digital solutions with national decarbonisation goals and supporting Iraq’s path toward a more sustainable energy future.’

Alongside his technical role, Wassem is also leading workshops and training programmes in topical areas like geoscience, reservoir engineering, digital transformation, and AI in energy.

‘I’ve committed myself to training and mentoring Iraqi nationals across the country, many of whom are now contributing directly to digital projects within Iraq,’ he says. ‘These efforts not only strengthen local expertise but also ensure that the knowledge and tools we deploy become embedded in the national capability.’

Looking ahead, Wassem plans to expand his work further by scaling AI-powered solutions for emissions monitoring and flare reduction. At the same time, he remains focused on developing Iraq’s human capital through knowledge-sharing and mentorship.

‘By combining advanced AI with practical energy expertise and a strong focus on local capacity building, I believe we can turn Iraq’s environmental challenges into opportunities for leadership in the global energy transition.’

Wassem’s journey from Chevening scholar to sector leader is just one example of the long-term impact of the Chevening programme.

Take Chevening scholar and Social Media Ambassador Mariwan, currently studying for a masters in Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching at King’s College London.

Committed to making language education inclusive and innovative, particularly for people from underprivileged communities, Mariwan is using his time in the UK to amplify his mission, and it’s getting noticed. Combining his expertise as an English teacher with his creativity in digital content creation, he has captured the attention of more than two million people worldwide through his online platforms.

As well as going viral, his work has also opened doors to new and unique opportunities. One of the world’s most respected academic publishers, Oxford University Press, reached out after seeing his content. They invited Mariwan to collaborate and share his experience on their Teaching English with Oxford podcast.

‘This wasn’t just a professional highlight , it was a deeply personal milestone. Following the podcast, I was invited on a private tour of the Oxford University Press… Walking through its historic halls, I was reminded of the global reach of education and the many lives transformed through language and learning.’

Mariwan is exploring how immersive technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence can revolutionise how we teach and learn languages

‘I believe immersive technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, will shape the future of learning. Studying in the UK has positioned me at the forefront of that transformation.’

‘Chevening gave me the opportunity to study a subject I’m deeply passionate about at one of the world’s top universities. It has opened doors to a global community of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. Sharing my story is part of inspiring others to believe in theirs.’

]]> https://www.chevening.org/news/strengthening-democratic-institutions/ Wed, 06 Aug 2025 17:02:19 +0000 https://www.chevening.org/?post_type=news&p=24926 When Elizabeth Pam was awarded a Chevening Scholarship in 2016, she was excited not just to complete her master’s in the UK, but to follow in the footsteps of her father.

Years earlier, Elizabeth’s father had studied in London with the support of Chevening.

‘He often shared inspiring stories about his experience, and his journey left a lasting impression on me,’ she recalls.

‘When I received the Chevening award, we became the first father-daughter duo to receive the scholarship… something I’m incredibly proud of.’

Knowing only too well how transformative the Chevening experience could be, Elizabeth chose to pursue a master’s in crime science, investigation, and intelligence at the University of Portsmouth, because she wanted to help strengthen democratic institutions from the inside out.

Fast forward nine years, and she’s now making that dream a reality, working at the intersection of politics and governance back home in Nigeria.

‘Chevening was a defining moment in my personal and professional journey. It not only gave me a world-class education but also connected me to a global network of changemakers.’

Having the opportunity to get to know fellow Chevening scholars from all over the globe sharpened Elizabeth’s thinking and expanded her world view.

‘It gave me the tools to engage meaningfully with complex governance challenges back home,’ she adds.

Studying in the UK also pushed her to grow in ways she hadn’t anticipated.

‘I vividly remember sitting in my studio flat on the 14th floor of Trafalgar Hall, crying while writing a paper,’ Elizabeth explains. ‘It was one of the most challenging academic experiences I’ve had but it also pushed me to think critically, dig deeper, and step far outside my comfort zone. That module taught me not just the content, but also tenacity, perseverance, and the value of intellectual resilience.’

This resilience is something Elizabeth’s carried forward with her throughout her career.

Since returning to Nigeria, Elizabeth has remained committed to solving issues related to fragmented development programming and limited access to opportunity, particularly for young people, women, and small businesses.

For example, in her time as Special Adviser to the Minister of Tourism, she helped local communities build sustainable tourism enterprises by launching the Ecogenesis Incubator Series. The initiative focused not just on building sustainable tourism enterprises but also on empowering local communities through culture, creativity, and eco-innovation.

Later, as Special Adviser on Workforce Innovation and Global Partnerships to the Minister of Labour and Employment, she led the funding strategy for the Labour Employment and Empowerment Program (LEEP), working hard to unlock capital for small businesses and create new jobs.

In her current position as Executive Director for Strategic Investments and Global Partnerships at the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, Elizabeth is tackling a larger national challenge. She’s now aligning Nigeria’s investment potential with global capital, all while building strategic alliances that translate growth priorities into real, fundable outcomes.

‘These efforts build on the values Chevening instilled in me: leadership, global thinking, and a commitment to the public good.’

Looking ahead, Elizabeth’s ambitions are firmly rooted in public service.

‘My long-term vision is to climb the political ladder with integrity, competence, and a deep commitment to public service.’

Elizabeth wants to be part of a new generation of Nigerian leaders ‘who engage with politics the right way: through transparency, inclusion, and evidence-based policymaking’.

She is also determined to ‘mentor young leaders, champion gender equity, and build bridges between government, civil society, and international partners’.

‘My goal is not just to rise but to pull others up with me and leave behind systems that are stronger, more just, and more people-centered.’

Elizabeth’s Chevening journey began because she was inspired by her father’s stories of a life-changing scholarship experience in the UK.

Now, her own story is inspiring the next generation; a reminder of what can happen when an opportunity is used not just to open a door, but to keep it open for others.

Where could a Chevening Scholarship take you?

Centrica’s origins can be dated back to 1812, operating in the energy industry for over 200 years.

Centrica is driven by a purpose of energising a greener, fairer future. They have a role in every step of the energy transition – making it, storing it, moving it, selling it and mending it. Centrica is focused on delivering a secure and sustainable energy system for the future by delivering net zero in an integrated, whole system approach.

The organisation is intent on investing in the technologies of the future, from Hive home technologies to their investment in Sizewell C, they’re securing the future of British nuclear energy and ensuring the stability of electricity supply.

The organisation has recently launched Energised Futures brand, an new in-house research and innovation incubator created to accelerate a new energy future. Based across the UK and EU, it ties academia with industry to solve some of the big problems in the energy industry, with research including heat pump optimisation, demand-side flexibility and bidirectional EV charging.

Centrica is offering one co-funded award for an applicant studying renewable energies, climate science, sustainable engineering, energy transition or energy policy.

Centrica and Chevening

Centrica partnered with Chevening as part of their commitment to building the next generation of innovators in the energy industry. The organisation believes in the sector’s ability to foster talent and provide secure, well-paid opportunities across the globe.

They are keen to welcome the successful Centrica Chevening scholar to their working sites, providing mentorship opportunities and insight into how their studies intersect with the energy industry.

1. Ethical Leadership in a Changing World

Victoria, University of Wellington & edX | 6 weeks 

Explore what it means to lead ethically in today’s complex, fast-changing world. This course guides you through key leadership dilemmas and offers frameworks to align your leadership approach with integrity, transparency, and social good. 

Key skills: Values-based leadership, ethical decision-making, leadership reflection

2. A Beginner’s Guide to Corporate Social Responsibility

University of Warwick & FutureLearn | 2 weeks 

Understand how businesses can act ethically and contribute to social and environmental wellbeing. This course breaks down key concepts in CSR and explores how organisations can embed responsibility into their strategy and operations. 

Key skills: CSR foundations, responsible business strategy, stakeholder awareness 

 3. Ethical Leadership Through Giving Voice to Values

University of Virginia & Coursera | 4 weeks  

This course takes an action-oriented approach to ethics, helping you speak up and act on your values in the workplace. Learn how to navigate tough conversations, build moral courage, and lead by example—no matter your role. 

Key skills: Ethical communication, moral courage, values-based action

4. Ethical Decision-Making: Cultural and Environmental Impact

Georgetown University & edX | Self-paced 

Explore how your decisions as a leader can impact both people and the planet. This course examines cultural, environmental, and ethical dimensions of leadership, and encourages thoughtful, inclusive decision-making. 

Key skills: Cross-cultural ethics, environmental responsibility, inclusive leadership 

 5. Ethical Leadership

Alison | Self-paced 

Build a strong foundation in ethical leadership by learning how to develop trust, lead with empathy, and foster a culture of accountability. This course is ideal for those looking to build leadership credibility through integrity and responsible behaviour. 

Key skills: Leadership integrity, empathy, accountability 

Final thoughts: 

Ethical leadership isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation of sustainable, purpose-driven leadership. These free courses will help you reflect on your values, grow your confidence in difficult situations, and lead in ways that make a lasting difference. 

Absolutely. In fact, your position may be your greatest strength. You’re close enough to the day-to-day to understand how things really operate and trusted enough to suggest new ideas. The key is to harness your influence with intention. 

Why your influence matters 

Many professionals at this stage feel stuck between two worlds: experienced enough to spot problems, but not always in the room where decisions are made. That’s where informal influence comes in. It’s the power to shape ideas, build momentum, and help others see what’s possible—without needing a formal leadership title. 

Driving change can look like: 

• Introducing a new approach in your team
• Getting buy-in for a better process or idea
• Advocating for greater diversity, sustainability, or digital innovation
• Building support across departments to solve shared problems

Three ways to start driving change 

1. Start small and start now  

You don’t need to overhaul a whole system to make a difference. Look for one process, habit, or tool that could be improved—and take the first step. Test a new idea, suggest a better way, or gather feedback to shape your case.

Top tip: Small wins build credibility. They show others what you’re capable of—and give you the confidence to tackle bigger challenges.
 

2. Create partnerships 

Change needs support. Identify people across the organisation who share your goals or frustrations. Ask for their input. Listen. Then work together. A well-timed conversation is often more powerful than a perfectly written proposal. 

Top tip: When people feel involved, they’re more likely to back the change—and help move it forward.
 

3. Show the impact 

Don’t assume people will notice the difference you’re making—show them. Track your results. Share progress updates. Highlight lessons learned. Use data where you can, but stories and real examples are just as powerful.

Final thoughts 

Influence isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about noticing what needs to change—and being brave enough to act. 

 You already have the insight, the experience, and the network to start driving change. So don’t wait for permission! Lead from where you are—and let the results speak for themselves.