For Lourdes Walusala, a radio journalist at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and member of the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), the pursuit of further education was not only a desire but also a dream. She dared to imagine that one day she would not only study her masters in a field related to her career but that it would be in the United Kingdom where universities have world-leading reputations for teaching and research.
The determined, bubbly and bold lady was awarded a full scholarship through the Chevening scholarship scheme to study M.A Media Practice for Development and Social Change at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom.
Earlier, partners of the Safe Sister program had awarded Lourdes a grant which she used at AMWIK to conduct a digital security training for women journalists. The objective being to share practical skills for the enhancement of online safety. It was held in Kenya on February 2018.
Lourdes attributes her success to being involved in AMWIK activities and being part of the Safe Sister fellowship.
‘I am forever grateful to the Safe Sister fellowship. The training did not only equip me with valuable skills that prepared me for this technologically advanced country but also knowledge and digital confidence that I carry around with pride. When it came to writing my essays and defending myself before the reviewers, the program again came in handy and set me apart and above. I hope more women will be inspired to take up opportunities. Asante sana Defend Defenders and partners’.