Scholars, graduates, peers, together

Scholars from rural communities going to university, or seeking employment after graduation, can often face challenges due to limited personal networks, reducing their access to information and opportunities.

A recent focus for Rare Charity has been building the network between our scholars and graduates. Each stands a chance to gain from the experience and knowledge others.

Sometimes this can mean help with information to settle into a new environment. At other times it can be the opportunity to learn an unfamiliar skill. Perhaps it could be an introduction that leads to a work opportunity, or something more. We believe that scholars and graduates have the best understanding of each others’ situations, having come from the same communities and shared the experience of studying in a new environment. They are also perfectly placed to give guidance, and also offer ongoing insight and ideas around scholarships and tea-growing communities.

So far graduate Madalitso has delivered computer training for new scholars ahead of them receiving laptops for their studies. Final year scholar Precious has given advice and support to new scholar Meble, who was joining the same, more remote, campus university where he studies. This helped her to find good quality accommodation and meal options, as well as technical support for laptop issues.  While our graduates have an extremely high rate of formal employment compared to the national average, new graduates and those who have found it more difficult to find opportunities are now getting advice from those in comparable careers.

We have also hosted two get-togethers, linking scholars and graduates in person, and look forward to more of these in future. Esnarth and I are working closely with this peer approach. We are proud of its impact so far and expect to see many more positive stories as the programme develops.