Four SOAS alumni win British Council Study UK Alumni Awards
Four SOAS alumni have been recognised by the British Council in the Study UK Alumni Awards 2025. The awards, held during the month of March, honour UK-educated global leaders who make significant contributions to their communities, industries, and countries.
Spanning youth political advocacy, educational empowerment and international journalism, the work of these four alumni speaks to the broad network of career pathways that open up to SOAS graduates. Here, they reflect on how their time at SOAS helped them towards this achievement.
Raju Kendre: Social Action Award
A Chevening Scholar, Raju graduated from SOAS with an MSc in Development Studies in 2022. This award recognises his work as founder and CEO of the Eklavya India Foundation, which empowers first-generation university students from historically marginalised communities in India.
“The year 2021-22 was a transformative milestone in my journey. Studying at SOAS as a Chevening Scholar shaped my growth and strengthened the Eklavya India Foundation’s mission to democratize higher education and create leadership pathways for marginalized communities.
This recognition reaffirms our commitment and inspires us to work harder. I dedicate this award to all first-generation students from marginalized backgrounds—may they continue to break barriers.
“I dedicate this award to all first-generation students from marginalized backgrounds—may they continue to break barriers.”
Şadiye Isisal: Social Action Award
An advocate for the "youth-driven change” in peacebuilding, Şadiye has dedicated her career to empowering young people in her homeland of Cyprus. This award recognises her efforts in bringing divided Cypriot communities together for peace and progress. She holds an MSc in Development Economics from SOAS (2020).
“Winning the Study UK Alumni Award for Social Action is more than a personal honour—it is a powerful affirmation that perseverance in peace-building and social change truly matters. Community work, especially in small and conflict-affected regions, is often seen as an uphill battle, but for me, it is a lifelong commitment.
"I hope this recognition serves as a source of encouragement for others, especially those navigating personal or societal challenges, to believe in their ability to make an impact.”
As a journalist, I’ve always believed in the power of culture—to challenge, to inspire, and to connect. SOAS gave me the tools to go deeper. It didn’t just provide an education; it gave me a critical lens to question with purpose.
Elif Halime Bereketli Yuce: Culture and Creativity Award
Elif is an Istanbul-based journalist and presenter, with over two decades of experience in the media landscape. She currently presents the monthly documentary series ‘Compass’ for TRT World and is the founder and former editor-in-chief of SabitFikir, a contemporary literature magazine dedicated to making cultural criticism accessible. She graduated from SOAS with an MA in Cultural Studies in 2015.
“As a journalist, I’ve always believed in the power of culture—to challenge, to inspire, and to connect. SOAS gave me the tools to go deeper. It didn’t just provide an education; it gave me a critical lens to question with purpose.
“It sharpened my understanding of global narratives and strengthened my confidence in telling stories that matter. Receiving this recognition from Study UK is an incredible honour, and it reaffirms my commitment to amplifying voices and fostering dialogue across cultures.”
Layla Al-Kloub: Culture and Creativity Award
A Chevening Scholar, Layla graduated from SOAS with an MSc in Politics of the Middle East in 2023. Having begun her career at Jordanian channel Almamlaka TV, she now works as a senior online journalist at BBC News Arabic. This award recognises her contribution to global media and digital storytelling.
“Winning this prestigious award is not only a personal success but a victory for press freedom and the power of words. It motivates me to continue producing responsible, free, and impartial journalism that defends human rights and raises marginalized voices.
“My experience at SOAS broadened my perspective on a range of issues and sharpened my critical thinking. This, in turn, allowed me to become more balanced in my approach and enabled me to present unusual perspectives to the audience.”
The Study UK Alumni Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of international UK alumni worldwide. Award categories include business and innovation, culture and creativity, science and sustainability, and social action.
