Why did you apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?
Coming from Sierra Leone, I always wanted to undertake postgraduate study internationally, but the financial barriers made this difficult. Despite several applications over the years, I continued to pursue opportunities because I believed that further education would strengthen my ability to contribute to development in my country and beyond.
When I came across the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, I saw an opportunity that aligned closely with my academic interests and professional experience. The scholarship is not simply about funding an education; for me, it is an opportunity to become part of a wider Commonwealth community, learn from people from different countries and backgrounds, and develop knowledge and networks that can contribute to development after graduation.
What inspired you to study International Development at the University of Bath?
My decision to study International Development was strongly influenced by my professional experience in Sierra Leone after the civil war to contribute towards postwar reconstruction.
I have spent many years working with communities and organisations on issues including governance, livelihoods, food security, community development, advocacy and development programming. I aim to build on that practical experience by developing stronger theoretical, analytical and research skills.
The University of Bath particularly appealed to me because of the opportunity to study through a critical and interdisciplinary perspective. The Conflict and Humanitarian Action pathway has been especially relevant to my interests because it has enabled me to examine the connections between conflict, development, humanitarian action and peacebuilding.
My studies have encouraged me to think critically about who makes development decisions, whose knowledge is valued and how local communities can have greater influence over interventions that affect their lives.
How did you feel being awarded a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?
Receiving the scholarship was an incredibly emotional and memorable moment. After more than five years of applying for scholarship opportunities, seeing that I had finally been successful was a major milestone. I felt a mixture of happiness, gratitude, relief and responsibility. I knew that the opportunity represented years of persistence, but I also understood that it came with an expectation to make meaningful use of the knowledge and experience I would gain.
How has the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship supported you?
The scholarship has made it possible for me to undertake this master’s at the University of Bath without the financial barriers that had prevented me from studying in the UK.
However, its value goes beyond financial support. It has provided me with access to an international academic and professional network and opportunities to learn from people working on development challenges in different parts of the Commonwealth.
One of the highlights was attending the Commonwealth Academic Conference at Cumberland Lodge, where Commonwealth Scholars had the opportunity to share research experiences, discuss our work and learn from one another. Presenting and discussing development-related research in that environment helped me appreciate the diversity of approaches being used to address complex challenges across different countries. The scholarship has therefore expanded not only my academic opportunities but also my understanding of what it means to be part of an international community of development practitioners and researchers.
How would you describe your experience at Bath?
My experience at Bath has been both academically challenging and personally transformative.
One of the unexpected discoveries has been how much of the university experience happens outside the classroom. For example, attending Café International gave me an opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, cultures and build friendships. Through those connections, I was introduced to people at Widcombe Church, which became another valuable community experience for me.
These relationships eventually opened another unexpected door. Through my engagement in the Bath community, I was invited by the Royal Commonwealth Society in Bath to speak at its Annual General Meeting. Having the opportunity to share my experiences and perspectives with members of the Society was a memorable moment. It allowed me to meet members of the wider community in Bath and discuss my experiences as a Commonwealth Scholar and interests in international development.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue building my career in international development, humanitarian action, research and policy. I want to apply the knowledge and skills gained at Bath to practical development challenges, particularly those relating to governance, sustainability, community rights, conflict and humanitarian action. I am also interested in pursuing further research in the future.
Most importantly, I want my experience at Bath and as a Commonwealth Shared Scholar to have an impact beyond my own career. I hope to use what I have learned to contribute to development in Sierra Leone and the wider Global South and to support approaches that recognise the knowledge, participation and leadership of local communities.