SPS alumnus wins Being Edinburgh Award
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Henry Anumudu, graduate of the School of Social and Political Science, has been named the winner of this year’s Being Edinburgh Award. The award is presented annually to a former University of Edinburgh student who is making a special impact in the world.
Henry, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar alumnus, graduated with an MSc Africa and International Development in 2022. His commitment to creating educational opportunities for children from low-income communities has led him to establish the not-for-profit organisation Sharing Life Africa, which has supported thousands of young people to get the most out of their education.
Henry currently leads strategic communications at Teach for All, and his vast experience lies in using storytelling and social media to bring people together and to build movements for grassroots organisations promoting inclusive education.
Henry said: “I was overjoyed when I heard I had won the award, and I felt deeply honoured to be recognised in this way. Even now, I feel that my words can't fully convey the extent of my gratitude. I am thankful to Roy Biddle, the University staff member who put forward my nomination for the award. I had seen the call for nominations earlier in the year but never imagined myself in such a position. But a few days later, Roy reached out with a message insisting that my story and work deserved a chance here.
“However, I must say that I stand on the shoulders of communities without which I would not be here. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University funded my studies in Edinburgh and provided me with the opportunity to immerse myself in my research unencumbered by financial constraints. I am also grateful for the reflective and leadership spaces the programme offered, which allowed me to develop the leadership skills necessary to lead a life and work of impact.”
Professor Richard Baxstrom, Deputy Head of the School of Social and Political Science, said: “The School of Social and Political Science (SPS) is delighted to learn that Henry Anumudu has received the 2023 Being Edinburgh Award. A graduate of our MSc in Africa and International Development programme and a Mastercard Foundation Scholar during his time in SPS, Henry’s tireless dedication to supporting young people through Sharing Life Africa and to advancing multinational education generally via his work for Teach For All stands as an outstanding example of his personal drive and creativity and as a superb model for what our alumni are able to achieve following their time with us in Edinburgh. Henry was an outstanding student and highly engaged member of the SPS community during his time with us and we are very proud and pleased that he has received this prestigious award for his exceptional achievements in global education.”
Read the announcement on the Being Edinburgh Award web page.