Meet our Scholars

I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Zambia from 2015 to 2019, graduating with First Class honours (Distinction) and ranking first in the Civil Engineering class of 2019. My final year research centred on integrating sustainability in construction by utilizing non-biodegradable waste and minimizing carbon emissions through the elimination of structural dead weight.

My expertise lies in Civil/Structural design and Construction Management. I am deeply passionate about overseeing projects from the planning stages through to completion. I find the challenge of coordinating various construction elements to ensure efficiency, safety, and quality particularly engaging. My postgraduate studies provided an ideal blend of technical knowledge, project management, and leadership skills, enabling me to help create structures that make a positive impact on communities.

Receiving the scholarship has been vital in helping me reach my goal of earning a postgraduate degree. It not only supplied the essential resources but also inspired me to put in extra effort, knowing that others had confidence in my potential. The scholarship has played a key role in equipping me with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career. Additionally, it provided the chance to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, allowing me to build meaningful networks and friendships.

I intend to apply my skills by helping manage various stages of the project lifecycle on complex construction projects in Zambia. I’m also exploring the possibility of incorporating Building Information Modelling into construction management. BIM is crucial as it brings together design, planning, and execution into a unified digital model, enabling real-time collaboration among project team members and boosting efficiency.

My interests include sports (Formula 1, football, rugby), computer software, fitness, traveling, humanitarianism, music and podcasts.

My advice to future scholars is to make the most of this rare opportunity. Focus on excelling academically, connect with new people, explore different cultures, and travel if possible. Postgraduate studies go by quickly, so make every moment count.

Sharing a favourite quotation; “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela.

I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic engineering with distinction from the University of Zambia, finishing as one of the best performing students. In my time there I was heavily involved in several innovative projects, the peak of which was being part of the team that saw the university build a sustainable racing car to participate in it’s first ever Shell Eco Marathon in South Africa.

My expertise lies in power systems and electrical infrastructure within industrial settings, a field marked by constant innovation. In the start of my engineering career, I observed a significant disconnect between the technical and business aspects of the corporate world, which can hamper innovation. To bridge this gap, I pursued an MSc in Engineering, Technology, and Business Management, which provided me with invaluable insights into productization and broader system thinking.

The Beit Scholarship Award not only provided me with essential funding but also connected me with a network of esteemed professionals who have significantly supported my journey. After completing my studies, I furthered my professional development by taking on an electrical engineering role at Tate and Lyle. The site boasts an installed capacity of over 30MW of embedded generation, allowing me to gain valuable experience with combined heat and power systems. Amid Zambia’s ongoing power crisis, this technology could greatly enhance energy efficiency.

I have been actively involved with the Association for Black and Minority Engineers (AFBE-UK), mentoring early-career professionals in the southern Africa region and sharing the knowledge I wish I had at the start of my career. Additionally, I have assisted several applicants with the Beit Scholarship, one of whom successfully received the award.

My interests include playing guitar and producing music, football, reading, coding and fitness.

My advice to future scholars is to avoid trying to take on the world alone. The Beit Scholarship community is filled with people dedicated to their success, so they should never hesitate to seek help. I also encourage them to approach everything with an open mind and view each interaction as a learning opportunity. Most importantly, they should enjoy their time as a scholar. We all worked incredibly hard to get here, so a celebration is well-deserved.

The Beit Scholarship has been a life-changing experience and I cannot express how grateful I am to have been a scholar. Their continued dedication to raising up an accomplished and passionate community of professionals bodes well for the future of Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

I graduated from the Copperbelt University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering with Distinction.

My area of expertise is in Water and Sanitation with a focus on improving the status in developing countries. My interest in choosing the course was on the based on the exposure it would offer with regards to improving water supply and sanitation in developing nations.

The award helped me build my skill set especially with project design and management. My career started as a Peri-Urban Engineer under the Peri-Urban Department (PUD) in Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company Limited; PUD is a department dedicated solely to provide water and sanitation services to the low –income areas in Lusaka, Zambia. I then worked under the Lusaka Sanitation Program a Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company initiative to improve access to safe and sustainable sanitation in the city of Lusaka. My area of focus under the program was to provide support in coordinating, planning, design and implementation of programs that will scale up the provision Non –sewer Sanitation services as well as facilitate the new delivery models and mechanisms for the entire sanitation service chain for the utility. Currently and supporting the world Bank with delivering similar projects in Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania.

I’m currently supporting the world bank to deliver water and sanitation projects in the South and Eastern part of Africa with the focus on improving the lessons learnt during the implementation in Zambia.

I have keen interest in social and economic issues, mentoring the young generation in career development in STEM. My hobbies include reading, cooking and gardening.

My advice to future Beit Scholars is to be passionate about your studies and work hard.

In 2010, I successfully completed my Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agricultural Sciences, with a specialization in Agricultural Economics, from the University of Zambia, graduating with Merit.

My area of academic expertise is Agricultural Economics. I chose this field during my undergraduate studies to gain a deeper understanding of agricultural production, markets, and the policies that influence food, agriculture, and the environment. I’m passionate about the critical role agriculture plays in global food security, economic development, and sustainability.

For my postgraduate course, I opted for Strategic Management because I firmly believe that effective strategic planning is fundamental to an organization’s success. Strategic Management involves making informed decisions, optimizing resource allocation, and setting a clear direction for the future. Pursuing this course allowed me to better comprehend how organizations adapt to evolving business landscapes. Furthermore, it complements my expertise in Agricultural Economics by providing insights into how strategic decisions impact the agricultural and agribusiness sector. This, in turn, enabled me to contribute more effectively to the Ministry of Agriculture by identifying strategies and management practices that facilitate the implementation of innovative initiatives.

The Beit Scholarship has played a pivotal role in equipping me with knowledge and skills that will benefit me throughout my life. More importantly, it has provided me with the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to improving livelihoods, particularly in underserved communities. After graduating in 2015, I served in the Ministry of Agriculture before joining the private sector as Head of Operations, where I successfully oversaw business portfolio growth. In 2021, I joined the Education Development Centre, a global nonprofit organization that focuses on improving education, promoting health, and expanding economic opportunities. In my role as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer on the USAID Let’s Read Project, I am dedicated to enhancing reading outcomes for early-grade learners from pre-primary through grade 3. This project aims to improve the fidelity of the Zambian Primary Literacy Programme and supports the education system at all levels with a comprehensive, whole-school, whole-system approach.

I have given back to the communities I worked in by coordinating agribusiness programs, budgets, and logistics for on-time and on-target project implementation under the MoA/PLARD agribusiness component and helped small scale farmers increase income and food security through knowledge building, value addition of farm produce, creating market linkages and increasing access to finance. Currently, I work to improve reading outcomes for approximately 1.4 million children in pre-primary (kindergarten) through Grade 3 in Zambian schools through the provision of literacy teaching and learning materials, building of capacity for teachers and administrators in literacy instruction and supervision as well as tracking learner performance for improved outcomes.

Presently I enjoy traveling, cooking, and watching sports. In my free time, I also enjoy mentoring young individuals to develop innovations that solve community challenges.

When the opportunity comes, diligently pursue your goals and while you are at it or when you are done, extend a helping hand to others whenever possible.

I did my Civil Engineering undergraduate degree at Guangxi University in China under the Zambia/China joint scholarship where I graduated as best graduating foreign student. My final graduation project was also awarded as the best for all civil engineering students in 2008.

My initial area of expertise was civil engineering, however when I started working, I quickly moved into international project management. This is what prompted me to choose management studies for my postgraduate degree.

The scholarship helped me to achieve my goal of becoming a full-fledged business manager through the scholarship to study for a management postgraduate degree. I am now able to manage any international projects and businesses because of the skills I acquired. This has also come in very handy now that I have moved into entrepreneurship where I am running my own businesses and companies.

I have given back to my country through the creation of over 200 employment opportunities through the companies I run. Our products are also helping in the retention of forex since we manufacture all of them locally.

I enjoy jogging and taking walks to keep fit. I normally offer talks to students to encourage them to work hard, so that one day they can also contribute positively to our communities like I am doing.

My advice to potential Beit Scholars is that when the chance is given to you, please utilize it positively.

I am very thankful to Beit Trust for the support I received through the scholarship to attain my dream of becoming a professional international manager.

I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree, major Economics and minor Demography with Merit from the University of Zambia.

My expertise lies in Economics, Econometrics and Microeconomics. My research interests are inclusive of finance, monetary policy, econometrics, and social sectors.

I chose the postgraduate course to improve my skills in research and overall understanding of financial systems.

Coming from a humble background, I could not have managed to pay for my education in the UK. The Beit took care of all the expenses during my stay in the UK. They made my stay very comfortable. With this, I had no other choice but to pass, and to pass with flying colours (Distinction). I am forever grateful to the Beit Secretariat for such a life changing opportunity that was rendered me.

After coming back from my studies, I joined the University of Zambia as a Lecturer in the Department of Economics. This opportunity has helped me in skills and experience transfer to my students at both undergraduate and masters level. Further, with my gained skills in research and M&E, I contribute towards generation of information in both the private and public sectors through involvement in research projects.

I am a huge football fan. I support the real Manchester team, UNITED. In my spare time, if not watching football, I like reading and writing books. Writing is a passion I picked up during the COVID-19 period. During lockdown, I spend a lot of time reflecting and writing my own perspectives about life through the lens of my experiences.

Being a scholar is such an exciting experience. On of the best experiences of my life by far. The adrenaline that comes with not knowing where you going, the full culture of the place, the thought of starting to meet and make new friends is simply magical and makes everyday special from the previous one. Three things for the new scholars; be open minded, never neglect your academics, and participate in as many activities as possible. Visit as many places in the UK and Europe as you can.

I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Zambia in 2009. The main courses taken were molecular biology and biochemistry and from these studies I developed my interest in biochemistry. Upon completion of my studies, I joined the University of Zambia as a staff development fellow and later on as a lecturer upon completion of my postgraduate studies.

My area of academic expertise is Biochemistry. I chose this area as I developed interest in metabolic pathways and in understudying how factors such as nutrition or exposure to environmental pollutants affect these pathways.

The Beit Scholarship Award enabled me to pursue my studies at the University of Leeds. During my time there I got to develop communication and laboratory skills as well that helped me become a more confident researcher. I enjoyed interacting with my peers from different countries and learning from them. The skills and networks have helped me as I continue to build my career as an academic.

Since completion of my studies, I came back to my home country to work as a lecturer at The University of Zambia. I pass on the skills that I acquired to my students as they pursue their studies.

My research interest is on how changing diet and environmental pollutants alter immune responses and how these affect people living in communities with poor hygiene and sanitation facilities which increases their exposure to different pathogens. I am also very passionate about encouraging the use of clean fuels as a way of reducing exposure to toxic carcinogens found in smoke emissions. Some of my current work involves optimizing biogas production using locally available and low-cost materials in order to promote the use of biogas as a green alternative fuel to charcoal. I am one of the organizers of the Young Wash Voice Campaign which aims to enhance school-going children’s knowledge and problem-solving skills in climate resilient water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). I am also volunteering at Human Rights & Science (HR&S) which is a social enterprise that supports scientific research as well as social enterprising and sustainable development in Sub-Sahara Africa.

My advice to future scholars is that you should be self-driven as this will help you be more perseverant and you will be able to achieve your goals.

The Beit Scholarship award provides a great opportunity to study at well-established Universities and get exposure that will help you in your career.

I hold a BSc(Eng) in Civil Engineering (with distinction) from the University of Science and Technology of Oran [2013 – 2016] and a joint BSc in Business Engineering (with distinction – very honorable) from Paris Graduate School of Management and Higher International Management Institute [2015 -2017]; both of which I pursued concurrently.

Accomplishments:

• Published a debut book titled “Unravel The Genius In Your Story”on 05/05/2019 (Category: Motivation & Inspiration).
• Appointed Central Province Coordinator for Volunteer for Zambia to coordinate volunteering programs and activities across the province
• Awarded an Exceptional Congratulations Certificate by Higher International Management Institute for scooping a distinction rated ‘Very Honorable’ upon the completion of my BSc in Business Engineering.
• Awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for dedicated service as President-elect of the Association of Zambian students in Algeria from [2015 to 2016].
• Awarded the Zambian-Algerian 2012/2016 Government Scholarship to read for a BSc(Eng) in Civil Engineering
• Appointed Regional French – English Interpreter by Les Rachetés de l’Eternel to convert concepts from source language to equivalent concepts in the target language [2013 – 2016]

My area of academic expertise is Civil Engineering under which Water, Sanitation and Hygiene/Health (WaSH) engineering is a sub-speciality/study. As access to WaSH is not only a basic human right but also a pre-condition for social and economic development; it remains a highly undeserved sector globally, particularly in the developing world.

I chose my post-grad course with the view to gain the necessary knowledge and skill set that will enable me become an innovative and solution-driven WaSH Civil Engineer capable of making appropriate use of engineering methods, techniques and tools to design and deliver impactful WaSH engineering solutions that will positively and sustainably serve humanity.

This includes the delivery of urban and rural water supply and sanitation infrastructure, drinking water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection, treatment, transport and disposal systems.

My interests include reading engineering news, books and journals, civic leadership, golf, chess, swimming, soccer, humanitarianism, poetry, public speaking and travelling.

We all are the potential solution to humanity’s many intractable problems and the positive force to shape the world that we earnestly desire.

I studied Wildlife Management at the Copperbelt University and graduated top of my class with a distinction in July 2013. I went on to be employed as a Wildlife Ecologist by the then Zambia Wildlife Authority in July 2014 and was based and practiced in Chama, Muchinga Province. While there, I learnt a lot and appreciated the value that natural resources and particularly wildlife resources play within a rural community setting.

I am keen to explore the interactions that humans have with the environment and how this interaction shapes development of economies. With this interest, I was intrigued to study the interdisciplinary course MSc Environment and Development that has since helped broaden my knowledge and expertise in sustainable wildlife and natural resource management.

The scholarship allowed me to pursue an academic path that is so dear to my heart and has added value to my current employment especially that I went on to be promoted to Senior Ecologist just a year and half after my Master degree’s graduation. In my current role, I am able to advise senior management on sustainability issues and requirements before any developments are being undertaken in any of the national parks and conservation areas in Zambia.

Generally, I am a better person now than before, am more in tune with myself, with a clear career and academic path and I love how nature, people and the economy are interlinked and how I can clearly explain the complexities that arise from this interaction. I aim for more, an opportunity to be part of the team that works to help prepare the world for global shocks even in small ways like I am doing at the moment through my work.

I love baking, taking long walks and exercising. On occasion I participate in intercompany marathons.

My advice is to believe in your potential to excel, the Beit Trust Scholarship will elevate you in every way possible.

I completed my Bachelors in Accountancy at the Copperbelt University and proceeded to begin my career as an Auditor with one of the Big 4 external audit firms. I completed my ACCA and was awarded top Affiliate in Zambia and received 3 other ACCA awards for being top in Zambia for 3 professional level papers.  I worked in Banking – Internal Audit before beginning my full time MSc Accounting and finance studies at the University of Leeds, U.K. I completed my Certification in Internal Audit and was awarded the CIA designation alongside my MSc in 2020.

I currently work as Internal Controller in an International NGO and ran a part time small scale business.

I specialise in Accounting and Audit work with additional experience in fraud investigations.

I chose my post graduate course due to the academic experience I knew I would gain from the holistic learning experience Leeds offers. Additionally, the modules in this program including the research modules were of interest to my professional growth as a finance professional.

The award gave me an opportunity to be exposed to a culture and experience I was unfamiliar with and enhanced my network through meeting people from different backgrounds.

The award also gave me an opportunity to study at a top university with all expenses paid and supported.  I now apply the various experiences and exposure gained both in and outside class, to my day to day work.

Working for an INGO as Internal Controller to ensure I participate in ensure the organisation achieves its objectives.

I ran a part time baking business which was initially a hobby. I also spend time reading and I love to watch videos that teach me how to create various things, learn new skills, and efficient ways to work and perform day to day tasks.

My advice is to enjoy the whole experience and create a network because people build people. Remember, be open minded to challenges as they are learning opportunities.  Choose a program that will allow you to grow professionally and also enables you to give back to others through your work.

I studied a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology at the University of Zambia and graduated with a distinction. In my undergraduate studies, I topped my class consecutively for 4 years.

My area of expertise is Earth Sciences (Geology and Geophysics). I choose Geophysics because I am interested in the numbers of the earth materials.

Beit Trust provided me with an opportunity to achieve my goals by funding all my MSc course including living and accommodation fees.

I’ve been helping my country through First Quantum Minerals to find Minerals such as copper and cobalt as these metals are important in the green energy that the government has embarked on.

In my spare time I like reading books, watching YouTube, listening to music, taking walks. I also plan on tutoring Geophysics at the University of Zambia on a voluntary basis.

Once given the opportunity to study under the Beit Trust scholarship, hold it with both hands and make sure you study and follow the rules and laws of the host Country (i.e South Africa and United Kingdom). Such opportunities are rear so use them to your advantage to better your home country and the world at large.

I earned my Bachelor of Accountancy degree with Distinction from Copperbelt University, receiving the Bank of Zambia Scholarship in my third/fourth year in recognition of my outstanding academic performance, which culminated in graduating as the top student in my class. During my undergraduate journey, I was honoured to receive the Mopani Copper Mines award for being the best-performing second-year student and the Dean’s award for being the best graduating student. Furthermore, I, along with three other students, participated in the CIMA Global Business Challenge and achieved the runners-up award at the Zambian Final.

My primary areas of expertise are in Audit and Financial Risk Management. My passion for derivative markets was sparked during a financial management course I undertook as an undergraduate, leading me to pursue an MSc in Financial Risk Management.

The Beit Scholarship provided me with invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience in derivative valuations. Upon completing my studies, I returned to Zambia and joined KPMG Zambia. Through discussions with KPMG leadership, I was granted the opportunity to join the KPMG South Africa Financial Risk Management department on a secondment, which proved to be an enriching experience.

I’m dedicated to mentoring young professionals and providing guidance to those interested in pursuing further studies, particularly with regard to the BEIT scholarship application process.

In my leisure time, I find joy in watching football, traveling, and relaxing at the beach during the summer.

To future scholars, I offer the advice to relish their time in the UK and make the most of it. Creating networks with individuals from all around the world and exploring the UK and Europe are experiences that can greatly enhance their educational journey.

I am currently employed at KPMG LLP in New York, serving as a Senior Manager in the Financial Services Practice. After relocating to the USA, I successfully passed the US Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exams and obtained my CPA license in New York. My pursuit of a Masters degree at Leeds University contributed to meeting the academic credit requirements for obtaining my CPA license in New York.

I did my undergraduate studies at the University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia. I graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). I graduated in the same intake or class with Dr Melody Asukile who is also a Beit Scholar Alumnus.

My area of academic expertise is in medicine and surgery with a specialisation in Anaesthesiology and Critical Care.

The Beit Scholarship Award has helped me become a leader in my line of work as a specialist anaesthesiologist and critical care specialist. I have gone on to work as a regional manager at Zambia National Blood Transfusion Service and as a consultant for various international organisations in different countries.

I am currently working in my country at Zambia National Blood Transfusion Service where I am advancing the cause to increase access to blood and blood products for all by providing leadership and governance of the southern region of the institution; establishing a sustainable financing model through insurance and cost recovery mechanisms; and developing strategic initiatives to improve the supply and sustainability of safe blood and blood products.

I love to travel, take walks, go hiking and reading books. I am a volunteer with Médecins Sans Frontières were I take up missions when there is a need.

Being a Beit Scholar is a prestigious honour and it is a great privilege to be awarded a Beit Scholarship. On my part, though the scholarship made me acquire a wealth of knowledge and expertise from studying the MPH, it also helped me become a new person with a different perspective of life that allows me to speak for the marginalised (the sick people in communities) and also dedicate a lot of my free time to volunteer work.

You will never go wrong to apply for a Beit Trust Scholarship. It has one of the most objective trustees I have ever come across in my career.

I did a BSc in Physics at the Copperbelt University (CBU) in Kitwe, Zambia. In my third year, I was the best student in my course. My final year project focussed on renewable energy and was used at the Interdisciplinary Workshop on Renewable Energy Solutions for Rural Zambia at the University of Zambia in November 2019 and it involved Oxford University, University of Cape Town in South Africa, University of Zambia (UNZA), Kwame Nkrumah University and Mulungushi University and Copperbelt University (CBU) in Zambia. I have a passion for sustainable science and technology, for the present and future.

My area of expertise is science and technology (it is quite wide as I did not specialise in my undergraduate degree), but I chose renewable energy studies to help improve in general the knowledge about sustainability and renewable energy in my country.

Currently, I am still pursuing my Master’s degree, but the award has helped me achieve the goal of being knowledgeable about renewable energy, and this will be a starting point to achieve other goals in future.

I am still in the UK now, but I hope to contribute in many ways that I can to the development of my country and region.

I am currently a course representative at Leeds University, I represent the views of my course mates. My voluntary work is mostly done at church, I am an usher who basically ensures that issues like welcoming members during a church service are under control. I like travelling, researching, reading, playing badminton, photography, watching Christian movies and listening to Christian music.

Be yourself, don’t let anything hold you back from being the best person you are meant to be. Keep forging ahead regardless of any setback. Our year was marked with so many ‘new normals’ but reminding myself that I was capable really kept me going.  Keep in touch with other scholars, not only from your country but others too. You’d be amazed at how much you share and how much you’ll learn. You’ll definitely work hard, so rest as much as possible, you’ll need it. Most importantly, just be you, you’ll perform better that way.

I would like to thank the Beit Trust for this opportunity, I remain grateful for it and I am glad others can also get a chance to develop themselves.

I studied electrical engineering at the University of Cape Town and joined First Quantum Minerals- a copper and gold mining company. I took up various roles in maintenance and completed projects in Zambia and Findland before rising to the post of Specialist – the position I held at the time of receiving the Beit-Leeds Scholarship.

My area of expertise is in Energy Efficiency.  The engineering and business courses I took helped me take up leadership roles in my company that would have otherwise taken longer to attain. More so, the award helps me to look for ways in which I can make a difference – no matter how small – in the lives of people I come across.

I have been focused on developing young engineers within my organization to develop their careers through mentorship and looking for opportunities to help them develop.

I am curious about renewable energy technologies and am always looking for ways to implement them in the poor communities in my area. Despite the pandemic, I have taken some time to truly understand the challenges these communities face and I hope to find solutions that meet their needs.

Reading, gardening and playing squash take up the rest of my spare time.

My advice is don’t try to change the world in one day after you graduate. Look for opportunities to spread the Beit spirit of generosity and selflessness wherever you end up within your family and your place of work.

“Sic parvis magna” from small beginnings comes greatness. What will you do today to make someone else’s tomorrow better!

I studied for a Bachelor of Pharmacy at Rhodes University in South Africa for my undergraduate studies. After that, I successfully worked at a teaching hospital under the Ministry of Health in Zambia, and also worked at a hospital under the Ministry of Health in Botswana.

My area of academic expertise is in public health related research. My research interests are in sexual and reproductive health including HIV, of adolescents and young people and men. I chose my postgraduate degree as I was interested in preventing diseases and research in preventing diseases especially HIV.

Without the Beit Scholarship Award, I would never have had the opportunity, nor would I have been able to afford learning at such a well-established and reputable university that provides a world class education. The course allowed me to work in a field I am extremely passionate about. The skills I learnt have allowed me to pursue and achieve my goals especially in research. I have gone on to pursue my PhD, for which I will be graduating next year!

I have worked in Zambia since I completed and have contributed to various research conducted. I have worked on one of the largest universal test and treat trials aimed at HIV prevention conducted in the region. I have also led on a study that aimed at improving adolescents and young people’s Sexual and Reproductive Health in Lusaka.

I love reading and actually spend most of my time reading if I am not working! I enjoy travelling and seeing new places, I especially enjoy visiting the amazing national parks we have in Zambia. I also love spending time with my family and swimming when I get the chance!

My advice is if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again! All the effort is worth it. This award changed my professional and personal life and all because I never gave up!

I studied a BSc in Wildlife Management. My thesis looked at the drivers of disperser species richness and fruit off-take on several trees of the same species.

My area of expertise is biodiversity conservation. We need innovative solutions to protect our environment as well as improve societal wellbeing.

The Beit award was a great platform form me to explore deeper my academic interests and how this can contribute to a achieving a sustainable society. Upon completing my masters, I moved on to pursue a PhD in Science and Policy in Switzerland. My current research focusses on the role of biodiversity in sustainable energy transitions.

My current research focusses on Africa with the aim to improve our understanding on the vital role of biodiversity in reducing carbon emissions.

In my spare time I am very passionate about photography, especially wildlife and landscape photography. Besides, I love playing music.

My advice to potential scholars is that motivation, passion and self-discovery are key to achieving success. It has been said that a single seed can only become a forest when placed in the right environment.

I am a Zambian trained medical doctor noted for excellence within and beyond the academic sphere. This allowed me to serve as an academic assistant mentoring and tutoring student doctors. I simultaneously served in the church leading both the youth and health departments in successive years. I was a core part of the top performing soccer, athletics and basketball teams. My final role in undergrad was as vice president of a student-elected board tasked with facilitating employment for newly graduated doctors.

My area of relative expertise is in Emergency Medicine. I was one of five doctors selected to pioneer and train in this area of medicine in Zambia. A short period of practice was enough to reveal that the challenges I experienced, were repeated in different ways in various sectors and occurred on a spectrum extending from end-user to high level policy. This awakened a desire to scale-up my impact and training in public policy, albeit foreign territory for a medical doctor, seemed a great way to start.

Paul Coelho says “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” I believe the BEIT Trust worked as an instrument in Gods hands to bridge the gap between my previous station and my aspirations. I have since begun the process of registering a think tank that will facilitate the production of quality research and it’s translation into effective policy with an initial focus on health and wellness.

Having left practice for a year, I committed to going back to the role I left in order to facilitate training of new doctors. I have also shared opportunities for youths with the BEIT trust and other organizations with the hope that this will help them realize their dreams. Overall, the plan is to help improve the policy landscape through the think tank (assisted by networks with NGOs) so that those who may not be able to obtain international scholarships still have good opportunity at home. It is still in its infancy but it will be achieved.

In my spare time I enjoy soccer, athletics, powerlifting, music, singing and poetry. I’m involved in food distribution and sharing free religious and self-help books.

My advice to new Beit Scholars is to make the most of your opportunity, this means creating it for others too.

“In scholarly pride, we ascend with grace, but remember, we’re born of a dream’s embrace,
Success beckons to create paths anew, Opportunity for others, a legacy true.” -Kakungu Kaite