The end of an incredible Chevening Awards journey | Nanje Patrick

Last week (July 1st - 5th, 2025) was a whirlwind of emotions—marking the end of an incredible Chevening Awards journey at the stunning Alexandra Palace in London.

What a ride it’s been! Transitioning from a background in theoretical Physics—where we speak in equations, data, and precision—to the dynamic, critically reflective world of International and Comparative Education was no small feat. The early days were challenging, but thanks to the support of my inspiring professors at the University of Glasgow School of Education and my professional experience as a Physics teacher and Pedagogical Inspector, I found my rhythm. A smooth, piecewise transition, you might say.

Over the past year, I have:

• Made lifelong friends from over 160 countries

• Traveled widely across the UK and Europe

• Almost fell in love (yes, almost!)

• And grew in ways I never imagined possible.

  
  

I’m incredibly grateful to Chevening Awards (FCDO), the UK High Commission in Cameroon UK in Cameroon, Open Dreams, the Cameroon Ministry of Secondary Education, the University of Glasgow, and all my friends and family who have supported me on this journey.

Now, it’s time to head home—craving some delicious Cameroonian meals —and get to work. There's a lot to do. We must build an educational system rooted not in inequality, but in equity, inclusion, and genuinely transformative ideas, which are at the same time culturally and economically sensitive to local needs.

• Nanje Patrick

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