By Jimmy Chazama:
British High Commissioner Leigh Stubblefield has called on returning Chevening and Commonwealth scholars to use their skills to help drive Malawi’s development.
Stubblefield made the call during a reception at her residence in Lilongwe Thursday, where 29 Malawian scholars were welcomed home after completing postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom (UK).
The group includes seven Chevening Scholars and 22 Commonwealth Scholars who studied subjects ranging from human rights law and criminal justice to water sanitation, journalism, communication for development and sport management.
Stubblefield said the scholars represent the brightest and best of Malawi.
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“They should all be proud of themselves. It is great to hear how they are already contributing in their fields,” Stubblefield said.
She highlighted one scholar in water and sanitation, saying her expertise will help Malawi respond to droughts and floods.
The envoy also noted work in economic crime and human rights law, saying these skills are vital for turning national strategies into real results.
British Council Malawi Country Director Melody Sango urged the graduates to remain active in alumni networks.
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“You return home not just as graduates but as members of global communities shaping policy and driving innovation,” Sango said.
Speaking for the Chevening cohort, Ngwambula Nundwe, who studied criminal law and justice at the University of Sussex, described the scholarship as life changing.
“We gained knowledge and skills but also confidence and friendships that will strengthen our work at home,” Nundwe said.
The programmes were supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and local partners including Forum for African Women Educationalists – Malawi Chapter, the Department for Human Resources Management and Development, Rev Canon Collins and higher education institutions.