On Friday 24 March 2023, newly returned Commonwealth Scholars from Zambia attended a Welcome Home Event. The event was delivered by the British Council on behalf of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC). The event aimed to celebrate their recent academic achievements and provide an opportunity for recently returned scholars to receive support and guidance in adjusting to life back in their home country.
The event began with welcome remarks delivered by Nicholas Wooley, the British High Commissioner to Zambia, who spoke about the UK Government’s commitment to supporting educational opportunities for students across the Commonwealth through Commonwealth Scholarships. He reiterated that support for education in Zambia goes beyond scholarships and that the UK Government is committed to improving the quality of education in Zambia by supporting teacher training, improving access to education for girls, and promoting the use of technology in the classroom.
Alumni support sessions
Ackim Banda, the British Council Country Manager, discussed the importance of Commonwealth Scholarships and the CSC’s alumni association in Zambia. He emphasised that support for Commonwealth Scholars extends beyond their return home and that newly returned scholars should engage with the Commonwealth Alumni Association of Zambia (CAAZ) to ensure they remain connected and continue making a positive impact in their communities.
A representation from CAAZ, Commonwealth Alumnus Martha Ikabonga, shared information about previous alumni association events and emphasised the benefits of being part of the CSC’s in-country community of Commonwealth Alumni. The event ended with a networking session between recently returned Scholars and CAAZ network members.
