Kingston University Alumni matchfunded £5,000
By
Cecilia Cappel
London
Kingston University is committed to an inclusive curriculum where all students see themselves reflected in what they are taught. The Kingston2CapeTown Scholarship contributes to making that commitment a reality. International travel is an important part of the Student Experience and evidence suggests it increases student attainment and improves the overall student experience. Research also suggests that Black and Minority Ethnic students are under represented in groups of students who undertake international travel. This trend is replicated among Black and Ethnic Minority students at Kingston with fewer of them taking up opportunities of International travel as part of schemes such as Study Abroad.
The Kingston2CapeTown Scholarship was piloted this year with a group of five Black and Minority Ethnic Students from across the University who after a competitive application, interview and selection process were given the opportunity to travel to Cape Town. It was a ten day trip with the intention of:
Students engaged in a range of activities including:
These experiences helped students recognise their potential to contribute to the changing international context. In addition to this the experience has moved students beyond formal lecture room settings and encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained during their first year undergraduate degree programme to real-life situations in South Africa. In many ways the impact of the experience on the students went beyond the expectations and objectives of the project.
But, don't just take our word for it, listen to what students themselves had to say via this link .
The Kingston2CapeTown pilot has taught us so many things including the difference travel makes to participant's confidence, world view and a sense of what they can contribute to communities of which they are part and reflecting on their place in a global world. More than anything the opportunities enabled them to practice the critical thinking skills needed to flourish in a changing world.
Our aim is to raise £10,000 to enable ten second year BME undergraduate students across the University to be offered a scholarship to participate in this unique international initiative.
The Kingston2CapeTown project has been driven by the Diversity and Inclusion Unit who played a key role in encouraging and bringing together like minded individuals committed to finding new ways of engaging and inspiring BME students. We are a multi disciplinary team made up of academics, students and Student Union representatives committed to diversity and inclusivity in the curriculum.
All of your donations are important as they will contribute to improving BME students experiences by:
Select this reward if you just want to donate to the project without receiving a reward.
70 claimed
Recognition of support in an article in The River newspaper, a student led publication.
1 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 March 2018
Invitation to Themed Week Events 27th NOV - 1st Dec
0 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 March 2018