SOAS student takes part in Commonwealth Futures student leadership workshop
16 April 2020
SOAS student Afolabi Adekaiyaoja (Politics of Africa Msc) took part in the third Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Commonwealth Futures student leadership workshops at Durban University of Technology in South Africa on 11 March. This installment of the workshops welcomed 30 student leaders from 13 countries where they focused on the theme ‘Reimagining Peace,’ which deepened students' understanding of the common challenges relating to violence and non-violence faced by students across the globe.
Through a series of interactive sessions, students were empowered to share their varied perspectives, experiences and knowledge of violence from their own unique contexts – and model nonviolent ways of communicating and collaborating across differences.
Students worked in groups to address a shared global challenge, namely: gender-based violence, climate change or inequality and developed tangible solutions to these issues.
Afolabi successfully applied to this workshop with the help of SOAS Learning & Teaching Project Officer, Ben Mason. Ben supported Afolabi throughout the whole application process.
Commonwealth Futures workshop, Durban 11-14 March
Afolabi tells us about his experience below.
Why did you choose to apply for the workshop?
I saw an opportunity to meet with young student leaders from other parts of the world and expected to learn from their unique experiences.
What was the application process?
I filled out an application form that focused on my past work, future plans and what I hoped to gain out of the program. Amazingly, I was selected from SOAS and then I was selected for the program by the Commonwealth.
How did SOAS support you through the process?
SOAS was fantastic throughout the process. Ben Mason, Learning & Teaching Project Officer, regularly checked in and answered all my questions. He also helped out with making connections within the university to help advance my application. I'm very grateful for his support.
What did you do in the workshop?
I worked with many of the other attendees to carry out research on forms of violence to create a functional policy addressing gender-based violence.
How did you find the experience?
Durban is an incredible place and we had a lot of fun exploring the area, enjoying the hospitality of the Durban University of Technology, as well as embracing the diverse cultures of the group and our lovely South African hosts.
Was it what you expected?
It surpassed my expectations - it was a really enjoyable and well-structured program.
Would you say the experience has supported your studies and have you developed any new skills?
Absolutely. My ability to synthesise information quickly has developed, alongside my skills in engaging with students from around the world - something I definitely fine-tuned at SOAS.
Would you recommend applying for the workshop to your fellow students?
Definitely- the program is life changing and the network is also an invaluable bonus.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in applying for the workshop?
Don't be afraid to apply - you can’t get in if you don't! But also there are a lot of examples of leadership we often take for granted, so be more introspective and reflective when filling the form out.
This event was convened in partnership with the British Council, Commonwealth Secretariat, and Durban University of Technology.
Find out more about Common Wealth Futures.