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?

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. 

As a child growing up in Delhi, I was denied admission to almost every school. I was born with a rare genetic condition called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, which affects the muscles and joints across the body, and I use a wheelchair for mobility. For a long time, society saw only my disability, not my potential, not my dreams.

Among the many lessons I’ve carried with me through life, one stands taller than the rest: never stop dreaming. Back in Grade 12, I dreamt of studying in the UK. I didn’t know how or when it would happen or even if it could. But I held onto that dream quietly, fiercely.

Years later, I found myself outside Westminster station, gazing at Big Ben with a mix of awe and disbelief. I was living that very dream – pursuing a master’s degree in the UK at one of the world’s leading universities.

Kavya in front of Big Ben in London.

A transformational experience

Coming to the UK has been one of the most transformational chapters of my life, not only academically, but personally and politically. I am finally studying a course that aligns perfectly with my advocacy work back home, helping me deepen my understanding of inclusive design and disability justice.

More than anything, my time here has helped me experience what accessibility can truly look like when it is embedded in the system, not just treated as an afterthought.

At UCL East, my classrooms were equipped with height-adjustable desks. I had access to a support worker who assisted me in navigating campus and taking notes. When I couldn’t attend class due to flare-ups in my health, I didn’t fall behind; remote access to recordings and digital materials kept me going. My professors were incredibly understanding and flexible, which made a huge difference in how supported I felt as a disabled student.

Access and independence

That said, while physical accessibility is more common across UK institutions than in many parts of the world, it’s always advisable to check accessibility details in advance. Reaching out to the designated disability support staff or student services before arriving on campus can ensure that your individual access needs are met smoothly. In my case, having a Statement of Reasonable Adjustments (SoRA) in place right at the start of term made my learning journey significantly easier.

London’s public transport has also been a game-changer. While not all stations are step-free, Transport for London’s ‘Plan My Journey’ feature and the Passenger Assist app helped me navigate routes. I used wheelchair-accessible cabs for spontaneous outings and reached out to the helpful staff at railway stations. These small elements gave me the freedom to move on my own terms.

Kavya using an accessible train in the UK.

Moving forward with pride

Of course, it wasn’t always rosy. The harsh UK winters, with their biting winds and endless grey skies, were challenging. I had to learn the art of layering (and unlayering!), always carry an umbrella, and never leave my wheelchair raincoat behind.

Looking back on my journey, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride not just for what I’ve achieved, but for the barriers I’ve broken and the community I’ve found along the way. To anyone reading this who’s been told their dreams are too big, or their bodies too different – don’t stop dreaming. You never know when you’ll find yourself on the other side of the world, living a dream you once whispered to yourself, and watching Big Ben sparkle under the London sky.

]]> https://www.chevening.org/news/my-vision-for-the-future-supporting-indigenous-maasai-children-in-education/ Mon, 21 Jul 2025 12:16:14 +0000 https://www.chevening.org/?post_type=news&p=24671 My mission is to bring education to indigenous Maasai children in Tanzania. I come from a marginalised community of the Maasai, characterised by a patriarchal structure which limits women and girls’ potential to access education and economic independence. In 2022, I became the first person from my village to graduate from university- a success that ignited a passion in me to start supporting other children to get an education, fighting against early marriages and discouragement from the community.

While I was still just an undergraduate student at university, I began funding and supporting children, getting them into established secondary schools in the local area. In 2023, the demand for my service grew and I decided to officially register my organisation, OMOM Maasai Community Foundation (OMOM). Since then, we continue to focus on improving the lives of the Maasai community through education, economic empowerment and environment conservation.

Our E-SIDAI project identifies Maasai children who finished primary schools, but have been unable to continue with secondary education. We provide them with resources they need to study and transfer them to equipped secondary schools. But that’s not all. We also provide a safe-house and support children through a mentorship programme, matching them to mentors in their desired future career fields. Alongside this, we do school visitations to 4 schools every year, supporting children in areas such as mental health, carrier guidance, leadership skills and sexual reproductive health.

The success of the E-SIDAI project has been widely recognised and let to funds from the Trevor Noah Foundation and Young Africa Leadership Initiative (Fund), enabling us to continue our work in the future.

Chevening’s impact

Chevening has given me an opportunity to study an a master’s in Gender and Development at Sussex University. This opportunity has allowed me to hone my skills in advocacy, networking, critical thinking and public speaking. Going forward, I will use these skills through the Omom Maasai Community Foundation.

As a Chevening scholar, I have also been able to attend various events. I went to the Education World Forum (2025) held in London and was able to meet ministers of education from 130 countries, policy makers and funders. The network I developed from this event will be crucial for the future, in particular having met ministers of education from Africa, potential funding partners.

I have become more independent and self-aware, figuring out how to solve challenges and drive solutions on my own.

What’s next for Naomi?

I will keep working with the Omom Maasai Community Foundationl,and through education, by establishing primary and secondary schools. Through these, I will provide both a free and transformative education to indigenous Maasai Children, hopefully to inspire future Cheveners!

As a gender specialist, I’ll work with women and girls in my community, and beyond, to advocate for their rights to attain freedom of economy, education and more. I look to collaborate with partner organisations to drive shared goals, using my knowledge and expertise.

In next 10 years, I aspire to become the member of Parliament, as woman representing the Maasai constituency (Simanjiro). Being in this position will enable me drive and support policies that support women and girls in Tanzania, as well as removing policies and barriers which oppress women and girls.

Want to hear more from Naomi?

• She joins Cheveners in sharing their plans for impact 
• Her advice on picking a UK university

One thing that the Chevening Scholarship and the University of Bristol have in common is that they actively seek to identify some of the most promising leaders and changemakers, providing them with world-class education and opportunities to set them up for success. They look for individuals who can contribute, challenge, and change the game.

In this blog, I’m excited to share five key tips that guided me through the application process, which might help you too!

Tip #1: Write like a leader, not a student

Great applicants write about their future more than their past. Focus on where you’re going and how Chevening and Bristol, or whichever university you would like to study at, fit into your bigger vision. Think about the legacy you want to build and the impact you wish to make over the next 10, 50, or 100 years. You can use the ‘three horizons’ approach to describe your immediate, medium-term, and long-term contributions.

Tip #2: Tailor for the university factor

In your personal statement, go beyond rankings. Highlight what makes your chosen university your first choice.

In my case, I emphasised the University of Bristol’s business innovation programme’s real-world projects, the city’s growing tech ecosystem, and the university’s strong teaching team.

Tip #3: Think of Chevening as a boardroom interview

Communicate how much further and faster you could go if you were awarded the Chevening Scholarship. It can be powerful to approach this exercise like a CEO pitching to investors.

Chevening invests in leaders, so it can be wise to demonstrate a potential return on investment.

Tip #4: Choose referees who know you well

Your referee should be someone who could answer without hesitation and with pure conviction that, no matter how competitive the pool is, you deserve a seat at the table.

It can be tempting to go for the most senior person you know – someone with an impressive title. But this is only valuable if the high ranking referee in question knows you well and is able to make a particularly convincing case for why you are an excellent candidate.

Tip #5: Build a ‘global board of advisors’

The strongest applications aren’t written in isolation. Surround yourself with a personal advisory board of mentors, former Chevening scholars, professors, and even people from industries you admire.

I recommend seeking three kinds of feedback:

• Visionary feedback (Is my ambition big enough?)
• Practical feedback (Is this realistic and well-structured?)
• Language feedback (Does this sound sharp and persuasive?)

I hope you find these insights helpful. More than anything, remember that Chevening aren’t just selecting candidates; they’re investing in future leaders. Make it impossible for them to say no!

My name is Fatou Jeng. I’ve been working in the climate and environmental sector for over ten years. In 2015, I founded Clean Earth Gambia, a youth-led NGO that started with no resources or funding. Today, it’s one of the largest youth environmental organisations in the country.

Clean Earth Gambia is focused on promoting climate justice through climate education, awareness and advocacy, nature-based solutions, and highlighting the intersection of gender and climate change. We empower and support small-scale farmers, children, young people, and women across communities.

To date, we’ve trained over 10,000 people, impacted more than 40,000 lives, and planted over 35,000 trees. We work closely with national and international partners including the Gambian government, Banjul City Council, UNICEF, UNDP, and UNFPA to reach vulnerable groups and promote climate education.

From national impact to global leadership

In 2024, Clean Earth Gambia hosted the first National Children and Youth Conference on Climate Change, in partnership with UNICEF and the Government of The Gambia. The event brought together young people to engage directly with policymakers on the climate issues affecting their lives.

Internationally, I serve as a gender negotiator for The Gambia to the UNFCCC, advocating for stronger gender inclusion in climate policy. I was appointed one of the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Climate Advisors (2023–2025), providing policy advice at the highest level. I also sit on the UN Early Warning for All Panel, working to ensure that everyone is protected from hazardous weather and climate events by 2027.

As International Empowerment Manager at the Plant-for-the-Planet Foundation, I help lead global youth mobilisation and ecosystem restoration. The foundation has empowered over 100,000 ambassadors, planted more than 31 million trees, and monitors over 1.3 billion hectares of land using FireAlert.

How Chevening shaped my journey

In 2020, I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship to study Environment, Development, and Policy at the University of Sussex. This opportunity expanded my skills and knowledge in sustainable development and introduced me to an inspiring network of global leaders.

Chevening also changed my life personally. I met my husband, Adama Njie, through the programme – he was a fellow Chevening scholar from The Gambia, studying at Cardiff University. We got married in April 2021 and now have a two-year-old son.

In 2025, Fatou was recognised as one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 for her climate advocacy work.

My vision for the future

Looking ahead, I plan to continue expanding my work with Clean Earth Gambia and Plant-for-the-Planet, reaching more communities affected by climate change. I also hope to pursue a PhD in Climate Education to better understand how knowledge drives action and to design inclusive learning strategies that support global climate justice.

For me, Chevening was not just an academic opportunity; it was the foundation for lasting impact and meaningful connection.

‘Coming from Switzerland, where the university life is not organised around campuses, I discovered the vibrant student life on the British campuses… People from all the five continents were there.’

‘We had no mobile telephone at that time, and there was only one public phone located in the staircase in the hall,’ Anne remembers. ‘Phoning to parents was a luxury.’

But despite its challenges, studying in the UK with Chevening proved to be a life changing experience.

‘It was my longest exposure of living abroad and of being surrounded by international life. I enjoyed every single moment.’

‘The Chevening scholarship programme… upon completion of a very competitive application process, allowed me to contemplate studying in the UK,’ she says. ‘The United Kingdom was and still is a leading country in research and education, and this is why I had a strong will to study there.’

Anne was particularly drawn to the University of Nottingham for its unique master’s offering in economic development and policy analysis.

‘It combined strong econometrical classes and policy courses,’ she explains.

But it was more than just a master’s degree that Anne graduated with. Studying in the UK shaped her world view, laying the foundations for an inspiring career in international diplomacy.

‘This is why, upon completion of my master’s degree, I quickly joined an international NGO, Transparency International, in Switzerland. And later on, the UN World Food Programme in Rwanda.’

Most recently, as Ambassador, Anne has helped negotiate migration agreements, presided over multilateral trade talks, and accompanied Swiss Presidents, Ministers, and Parliamentarians on official visits across Africa.

One of her proudest achievements was the ‘opening of a direct flight from Geneva to Addis Abeba… two important cities for multilateral diplomacy, in a context of scarce direct lines between Switzerland and the African continent’.

Another career highlight was during the pandemic, when Anne helped to organise a repatriation flight for Swiss citizens stranded abroad.

‘The embassy team was managing the check-in procedure, there was no air-conditioning in the empty airport, because it had remained closed for days…’ she says. ‘This is certainly a very striking memory.’

But perhaps her proudest moment was helping to organise war crime trial sessions in Liberia, ensuring that victims could testify remotely to the Swiss Federal Criminal Court.

A lot’s changed since Anne completed her Chevening year, but as her inspiring career illustrates, her commitment to making a positive global impact has never wavered.

One scholarship; a lifetime of impact.

Where could Chevening take you?

Coming from a region where traditional gender roles continue to dominate, I’ve witnessed the significant challenges female journalists face in asserting their voices. While media representation has improved in some areas, deep-rooted cultural and societal barriers still restrict women’s participation in journalism and decision-making roles. The lack of gender-inclusive policies and inadequate support systems make it even harder for women to shape narratives and promote good governance.

After years of hard work, I was proud to be selected as a Chevening South Asia Journalism Programme (SAJP) Fellow for 2025. Being the only woman from my region to achieve this milestone fills me with a deep sense of pride and responsibility.

Strengthening my voice with Chevening

In 2024, I was recognised for my climate reporting in Pakistan by Deutsche Welle Urdu. That recognition affirmed my belief in the power of inclusive journalism to create awareness and change. I want to build on that momentum by offering mentorship, workshops, and community storytelling initiatives that empower women, especially from rural and underserved areas, to share their stories and challenge harmful stereotypes.

Through the SAJP Fellowship, I hope to develop a deeper understanding of good governance and the media’s crucial role in democratic societies. The opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and learning environments is already helping me grow more confident and resilient in my advocacy for female journalists’ rights and representation in Pakistan.

A vision for inclusive storytelling

I aspire to travel across Pakistan with a camera to document lives and stories often ignored by mainstream media. These films will spotlight the strength, culture, and challenges of marginalised communities while promoting empathy and understanding.

I also look forward to collaborating with journalists from across South Asia. Despite different national contexts, marginalised communities across the region face similar obstacles. Together, we can explore how cultural, social, and political dynamics shape access to rights and opportunities, and work toward solutions that cross borders.

Advice for future Cheveners

If you want to make a difference, Chevening will give you the tools and confidence to lead that change. Use your voice to uplift others. Learn, connect, and come back ready to support your community.

For me, this is just the beginning. I hope to continue using storytelling to open doors for others – just as Chevening has opened doors for me.