High Commissioner Stubblefield and the scholars
* Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships are more than scholarships — they are investments in future leaders, innovators and changemakers
* Through these programmes, talented Malawians gain world-class knowledge, lifelong networks and the opportunity to contribute to Malawi’s future
By Duncan Mlanjira
The British High Commission hosted a reception to celebrate two Malawians selected under Chevening Scholarships and 21 for Commonwealth Scholarships ahead of their UK Government-funded postgraduate studies.
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The programmes provide opportunities for talented individuals to gain world-class education, build global networks and return with the skills and confidence to contribute to Malawi’s development.
The scholars will pursue studies across a wide range of disciplines including public health, climate & environmental management, sustainable energy, diplomacy, communication, finance, science and innovation.
In a statement, the British High Commission emphasises that these fields reflect Malawi’s development priorities and the important contribution scholars can make on the scholars’ return.
Held on Thursday, September 3 in Lilongwe, the British High Commissioner Leigh Stubblefield stated that the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships “are more than scholarships”.
“They are investments in future leaders, innovators and changemakers,” Stubblefield is quoted as saying in the statement.
“Through these programmes, talented Malawians gain world-class knowledge, lifelong networks and the opportunity to contribute to Malawi’s future.”
The High Commissioner encouraged scholars “to make the most of their time in the UK, build lasting connections and remain active members of the global Chevening and Commonwealth alumni communities”.
Chevening award recipient, Denis Mulebe
On his part, Denis Mulebe, a Chevening award recipient, who is senior budget analyst at the Parliament of Malawi, will study for a Master’s Degree in Economics & Finance for Development at the University of Bradford.
“The Chevening Award is a life-changing opportunity to learn from the best and build lifelong connections with global leaders,” said Mulebe.
“I will use the skills I gain to strengthen my work in parliamentary budget scrutiny, debt analysis and fiscal governance — helping to promote better use of public resources, stronger fiscal discipline and more effective development outcomes.”
Commonwealth Scholarship recipient, Chifuniro Baluwa
Chifuniro Baluwa, a Commonwealth Scholarship recipient — a geospatial and public health researcher with the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme — will pursue a PhD in Geography, focusing on spatially explicit GIS-agent-based modelling for cholera prevention and response in Malawi.
She said: “Receiving this award is both a great honour and an opportunity to contribute to a challenge with significant implications for communities in Malawi.
“Through my PhD, I hope to develop innovative GIS and agent-based modelling approaches for cholera prevention and response, and to use the knowledge gained to strengthen public health preparedness and decision-making in Malawi.”
The event also brought together alumni and scholarship partners to celebrate the enduring educational links between Malawi and the United Kingdom.
Applications for future scholarship opportunities continue to offer talented Malawians the chance to study in the UK and join global networks of leaders committed to creating positive change.
Funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations, Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships are UK’s prestigious global programmes for exceptional individuals with demonstrable leadership potential to pursue a one-year master’s degree at an accredited UK university.
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