Hi everyone!
My name is Kwekwe, (my friends call me Kwe squared or Kwe to the power 2 – it is a fun play on mathematics and my name!). I am currently pursuing MSc in Africa and International Development, a programme under the School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh. It’s exciting to share that pursuing my master’s degree was a key goal on my 2024 vision board, and I’m thrilled to see it come to life! Even more exciting, I’m one of the new blog writers for SPS this year.
I come from a small slow paced town in Kenya called Kwale, the kind of town where everyone knows everyone. Growing up there felt like being part of one big family. The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” truly came to life for me because Kwale was my village. As a child, I dreamed of following in my father’s footsteps to become a doctor and save lives. While I didn’t end up in medicine, my journey has still been about transformation, and that’s a win in my book!
My undergraduate was in Business Purchasing and Supply Chain Management. During my internship I realised that I did not want to be in the business field. After graduation, I began volunteering with an international organisation and that is when the spark for development was ignited! Since then I have been dedicated to mentoring young people, especially girls and supporting initiatives that empower young girls and marginalised communities in Kenya. My academic interests revolve around exploring sustainable development and gender equity and I bring hands-on experience in project management, youth engagement and safeguarding.
Moving to Edinburgh was exciting and a little daunting – it was my first time being so far from home for such a long period. But with every new experience, it has become easier. I made several friends and my best friend Dennis (that I met here in Edinburgh) has made this journey even more memorable. Like any other Harry Potter fan, I was thrilled to explore the city that inspired J.K. Rowling’s famous series. Edinburgh has been a comfort for my soul because of its slow pace, friendly residents, and stunning scenery that have made it feel like home. Touring the city has been so easy (thanks to Google Maps!) and hiking Arthur’s Seat – an adventure inspired by the Netflix series One Day – is a memory I’ll always cherish.
The University of Edinburgh on the other hand is everything any international student can ask for! The Welcome Week was incredible in helping me settle in and make lasting friendships. The academic aspect of it has been wholesome, from learning new concepts during lectures to expounding on them during tutorials. My favorite reading spots are the SPS reading room and the 7th floor of the Dugald Stewart Building by the window (the views are breathtaking).
Outside of academics, I enjoy watching rom-coms and animated films, reading novels and spending quality time with my new friends.
That’s me in a nutshell, and I am so excited and looking forward to sharing my experiences as an international student studying and living in Edinburgh. I do hope you will find my blogs invaluable and enjoyable.
Best,
Kwekwe
