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Innovating scholarship support to build a sustainable world
A unique scholarship model is developing a crucial talent pool vitally needed by southern Africa to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Professor Ted Henry Previously, Interim Executive Dean of EGIS, currently Interim Deputy Provost at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Professor Ted Henry has been responsible for developing and co-ordinating the Denis Goldberg Scholarship (DGS) programme in the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS).
He explains more about designing the programme for impact and the inspirational man behind the naming of the scholarships:
“We now have 41 scholarship students: 27 in Rwanda, 10 in Ghana and four in Zambia. All of them are gaining knowledge and skills to build the capacity of southern Africa to tackle climate change and contribute to sustainable solutions.
This scholarship is different and stands out in a number of ways. It is designed to help talented graduate employees in southern Africa study an online Master of Science (MSc) without having to leave their home country. We know that when students leave their home region, they often don't return, so this scholarship programme helps to keep talent where it’s needed. In addition, the unique experiences and perspectives of our students from southern Africa has a substantial positive impact on all students enrolled in our online MSc courses.”
DGS scholars in Rwanda
Justine Ishimwe, a Structural Engineer at East African Power in Rwanda, commented: “As a DGS scholar I have the chance to study while still working, which is a considerable advantage, and to create professional connections with my peers in my cohort."
All of the Denis Goldberg Scholarship students are employees in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which are working to contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals. They are studying EGIS programmes such as Renewable Energy, Construction Management and Real Estate Management.
Theophile Iradukunda, a young mechanical engineering graduate working in Rwanda, comments: “I’m developing expertise in creating and implementing customised renewable energy solutions for residential and commercial customers. The experience [with Heriot-Watt] has been great and I feel that the MSc will empower me to become a driving force for change, and give me the tools, networks and belief to go on and make a real impact.”
The academic programme is supported by an in-country programme in partnership with The Challenges Group – an international business development consultancy that specialises in working with SMEs. This in-country programme ensures the scholars are supported to succeed, and also builds strong relationships with and between the SMEs involved, which generates inter-connectivity and stimulates greater collaboration for region-wide impact.
This is a unique model that addresses crucial issues in an innovative way.”
The first DGS cohort in Zambia
DGS scholars studying Renewable Energy Development in Ghana
Mwamba Katema, an Assistant Planning Engineer - Grid Development in the Rural Electrification Authority, Zambia, commented: “I think that this programme goes beyond just getting additional education. It is a tool to actually make a difference in the energy sector and bring a trickle-down effect on improving the living standards of the Zambian people. We become a driving force for the improvement and change we need.”
“Delivering in-country also means that we gain vital on-the-ground knowledge, allowing us to understand in greater depth what’s needed,” Professor Henry explains. “This insight informs the academic programme and helps us to create bespoke offers that match the skills development required. We also better understand barriers to access for our students, be these technical or other issues, and that means we can address them more effectively.
Alumni support was crucial in the launching of the programme – the 1821 Appeal made it possible for us to implement this first wave of scholarships. And though we are still in relatively early days, I am excited that we have already conferred over 40 scholarships. Our intention is to build-out recruitment in Zambia, as well as expand the programme into other countries.”
We acknowledge Denis’s legacy through these scholarships – his immense and selfless contribution to civil society.”
What's in a name?
The South African Denis Goldberg may not be a name familiar to all, but he was a remarkable and inspirational individual who devoted his life to social democracy. He played a leading role in the struggle against apartheid – alongside Nelson Mandela and others – for which he was imprisoned for 22 years when he was just 31. Denis believed knowledge should inspire action in the service of others, and championed education as a means to a more equal society. In 2018, Heriot-Watt awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his immense and selfless contribution to civil society, learning for all and democracy.
Professor Ted Henry commented: “It seems fitting that we acknowledge Denis’s legacy through these scholarships, which seek to support equality of access to education for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to develop their talent in the service of their communities, and ultimately, to hasten transformative change for southern Africa.”
Denis with Professor Garry Pender (left) and Professor Paul Jowitt (right) on the occasion of his Honorary degree award in 2018, conferred at a special ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa. Photography by Andrew Ogterop
Denis with Professor Garry Pender (left) and Professor Paul Jowitt (right) on the occasion of his Honorary degree award in 2018, conferred at a special ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa. Photography by Andrew Ogterop.
To support the Denis Goldberg Scholarships please contact Andrew MacKinnon
