Post Chevening life; Impact of YPMP alumni in local communities. (Part 2: Esther Chebijira)

The prestigious Chevening scholarship has impacted lives for generations. As the Young Professional Mentorship Program (YPMP), we have had the honour of having two alumni members graduate as Chevening scholar. In our previous article, we shared Robert Omwa’s testimony of life after Chevening.

In Part 2 of the story, the spotlight lands on Esther Chebijira who was awarded the Chevening scholarship in 2022 to pursue a Master’s degree in Inclusive Education: Research Policy & Practice at the University of Glasgow in the UK. Join us in celebrating Esther as she continues to use her experiences and knowledge for influence in Uganda.

Tell us about yourself:

I am a passionate advocate for education, inclusion, and social change, dedicated to making a positive impact in my community and globally. I was born and raised in Kween district, Eastern Uganda, attending Chemwania primary and secondary schools. I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Arts with Education, specializing in English Language and Literature at Makerere University and later master’s in Inclusive Education: Research, Policy & Practice from the University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom.  I have worked with various organizations in different capacities to promote access to and improve the quality of education. I am particularly passionate about championing girls’ education and disability rights.

When and how did you get the Chevening scholarship? What course did you study and where?

I was awarded the Chevening scholarship in 2022 to pursue a Master’s degree in Inclusive Education: Research Policy & Practice at the University of Glasgow in the UK. I was one of nineteen Ugandans selected from a large pool of applicants and one of around 1,500 scholars from approximately 165 countries selected from over 65,000 applicants.

How did the YPMP mentorship prepare you for Chevening?

The YPMP mentorship program played a crucial role in preparing me for the Chevening scholarship by providing guidance, support, and valuable insights into the application process and scholarship expectations. Notably, Robert Omwa, a fellow mentee who had received the scholarship the previous year, reviewed my essays, conducted mock interviews, and provided insight into life in the UK. Agnes Igoye, the chief mentor at YPMP, was my referee, and I practiced the interview with her. Even before the application, she encouraged me to apply for opportunities. The entire YPMP team served as a moral compass, keeping me grounded during the long and daunting scholarship application process and even while in the UK.

What aspects of the Chevening scholarship experience were most impactful to your career development?

The networking opportunities, exposure to diverse perspectives, and access to world-class education were the most impactful aspects of the Chevening scholarship experience for me. These opportunities significantly broadened my horizons and enhanced my professional skills. Our cohort comprised approximately 1,500 scholars from 165 countries, and the Chevening secretariat organized numerous events for networking and learning. Additionally, I participated in various volunteering activities, greatly enhancing my technical and interpersonal skills. The University of Glasgow, as the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world, boasts a rich diversity and distinguished alumni, of which I am proud to be a part. The course in inclusive education, facilitated by the Chevening scholarship, provided me with the opportunity to study and gain technical skills at a prestigious university alongside world-class peers and professors.

How are you currently utilizing the knowledge and experiences gained to impact your life or community?

Currently, I am utilizing the knowledge and experiences gained from the Chevening scholarship to advocate for inclusive education practices in communities. Additionally, I am involved in research projects addressing gender discrimination and promoting social justice. I participate in various local and global think tanks, sharing ideas on extending quality and inclusive education to all children. Moreover, I support organizational development through capacity building for several organizations of Persons with Disabilities across Uganda. I also volunteer with various organizations and individuals working in education, gender, disability and political spaces.

How has the Chevening scholarship experience transformed and impacted your personal growth?

The Chevening scholarship experience has transformed my personal growth by fostering resilience, adaptability, and a global perspective. It has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, embrace new opportunities for learning and growth, and appreciate diversity. Through the scholarship, I traveled to various countries, fostering empathy and open-mindedness by recognizing the similarities among people from diverse backgrounds.

As a current or future leader, how is the scholarship shaping your leadership style and problem-solving approaches in your community?

As a current and future leader, the scholarship is shaping my leadership style by emphasizing inclusivity, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving approaches in addressing complex challenges facing my community. I approach new challenges with a can-do mindset, fostering continuous learning, critical thinking, and effective communication. This positive mindset has made me a better team player, continuous learner, critical thinker, and effective communicator.

Considering that the Chevening scholarship attracts several social impact scholars, how is the knowledge and skills attained from the scholarship helping you to address social, economic or political issues in your community?

The knowledge and skills attained from the Chevening scholarship are instrumental in addressing social, economic, and political issues in my community by empowering me to advocate for positive change and mobilize resources effectively. The scholarship experience has provided me with a better understanding of my role in positive community building.

If you managed to build some networks and nurture new relations, how have these networks and collaborations enriched your personal and career experiences? How are you currently maintaining these networks?

I have built valuable networks and nurtured collaborations through the Chevening scholarship, enriching my personal and career experiences. I am currently maintaining these networks through regular communication, networking events, and collaborative projects with lecturers, professors, course mates, fellow Chevening scholars, alumni and individuals from nearly every country in the world.

Were there any specific challenges you faced during the scholarship? if yes, share some and how you overcame them.

Some challenges I faced during the scholarship included adapting to a new academic environment, balancing academic and extracurricular commitments, and navigating cultural differences. However, I overcame these challenges through resilience, perseverance, and seeking support when needed.

How would you describe the overall impact of the scholarship to your personal and career development?

The Chevening scholarship has had a profound impact on my personal and career development by equipping me with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to make a meaningful difference in my community, globally and pursue my aspirations.

How have the lessons from your Chevening experience enhance your role as YPMP Mentor?

The lessons from my Chevening experience have enhanced my role as a YPMP mentor by providing valuable insights, resources, and strategies to support and guide young professionals. I am better positioned to work with people from diverse backgrounds, it enhanced my communication skills, especially listening, and broadened my resource pool to share with my mentees.

What does the future look like for you? What are your career aspirations and how is the scholarship contributing to your attainment of these goals?

I aspire to become an active global citizen, to continue advocating for social justice, promoting inclusive education practices and policies, and empowering marginalized communities. I also aspire to pursue a PhD in Education, Gender and disability field. I am also strategizing on outlets to always share my learning and skills with more people especially the youth in my community.  The Chevening scholarship is contributing to my attainment of these goals by providing me with the tools and opportunities to make a lasting impact.

What advice would you give to aspiring future Chevening scholars? How can they maximize the opportunity of such a prestigious career offer?

My advice to aspiring Chevening scholars is to seize every opportunity for growth, embrace diversity, and make meaningful connections with current scholars, alumni of Chevening and other professionals. Maximize the opportunity by actively participating in academic, cultural, and social activities, and strive to leave a positive legacy in your community and beyond. When the call for applications opens, seek all the support and apply. If you aren’t successful once, there is always a chance to apply again. Leaders do not quit.

Any advice to youths aspiring for career growth and development?

My advice to youths aspiring for career growth and development is to remain curious, resilient, and open to new opportunities. Invest in continuous learning, seek mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals, and never underestimate the power of networking and collaboration in achieving your goals. Keep a positive mindset and always dream big and work towards actualizing your dreams.

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