Neema Wandabwa

20 years old, attending Cardiff University, UK. Neema was awarded a Beacon Scholarship in May 2023.

Neema is studying towards an LLB in Law. She continues to apply a range of study techniques to support her academic attainment, including attending Legal Study Skills sessions, engaging with tutors and using resources such as podcasts, past papers and academic articles, to improve her exam performance.  This continued focus and effort has led to strong performance in her degree so far.

Neema has a well-balanced combination of co-curricular activities. She continues to enjoy playing tennis and most intriguingly, has thrown herself into learning to ski. These sports are supported by regular visits to the gym and Sunday runs, to improve her physical and mental fitness. She takes part in various law related societies events and workshops.

As an elected Student Senator, Neema is developing her leadership and communication skills to advocate for student rights and best outcomes regarding housing, freedom of expression and race and gender issues. As a member of the Athletic Union Committee, she helps organise the Welsh Varsity event, which raised the profile of marginalised sports and brought the community together.

Neema has edited and written articles for The Justice Gap magazine, including a piece on the police’s ‘Stop and Search’ policies, helping to make legal issues accessible to all. When home, her work with the Kwetu Home of Peace provides access to literacy and educational resources for disadvantaged boys.

Beacon Workshop Participation

In Beacon Workshops, Neema shows the ability to think critically, offering valuable and constructive feedback to her teams.

Beacon Summer Citizenship Project

Neema’s Summer Citizenship Project was called Know Your Rights, Know Your Power’ and was a civic education initiative to empower young Kenyans through simplified, bilingual resources (English and Swahili), and interactive workshops on their rights and responsibilities as citizens.