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Posted March 16, 2026

Lifting as we climb… six months into my Chevening journey

Tuwilika Chevening Scholar

When I wrote my first reflection for Postgrad.com last November, I was just two months into my MSc in Digital Health Systems at the University of Strathclyde. Everything was new, and I noted that the Chevening experience is exactly what you make of it. As we celebrate Women’s History Month this March, I find myself at the six-month mark of my UK journey, reflecting on exactly what building upon that platform looks like in practice.

Women’s Month is fundamentally a time to celebrate resilience, leadership and the power of empowering others. When I first set out on this path, I brought with me a clear blueprint. I wanted to ensure this year was about more than just academic rigor – I wanted to grow, network and advance my advocacy skills to directly support the work my NGO, Tupabloom Care, does back in Namibia.

Taking stock of those goals this month has been a powerful exercise. My initial to-do list has not only been met, but it has expanded entirely, filled with new cities explored, communities served and spaces to grow.

It's a busy time

Tuwilika Chevening ScholarIf I am completely honest, March is an incredibly hectic month. Between juggling intensive group assignments on digital health implementation, preparing for upcoming exams and managing my time, the academic rigor of my masters program is very real.

However, this hustle is balanced by incredible milestones. Amidst the coursework, I am also preparing for an upcoming speaking engagement at the Chevening Conference, where I will be presenting my research on the sovereignty gap and the invisible infrastructure of African Health AI. It is a demanding season, but I am learning exactly how to prioritise and thrive under the pressure.

A major focus for me has been expanding my impact beyond the classroom. Recently, I stepped into a new ambassadorial role with a global campaigning organisation, allowing me to advocate for the systemic changes I am so passionate about on a much larger scale.

Simultaneously, I am finding ways to give back locally. Participating in my university’s upcoming telethon campaign has been a wonderful way to connect with and support the broader campus community, grounding my global goals in local action.

Academically, things are shifting into high gear. As I prepare to dive into my MSc dissertation, I have intentionally chosen a topic that aligns perfectly with my long-term career goals. Focusing on the invisible infrastructure and governance of AI in health systems allows me to bridge my clinical background as a medical doctor with the digital health policies I hope to shape in the future. It is thrilling to see the pieces of my career puzzle coming together in my research.

A rewarding experience

Perhaps the most rewarding part of this season has been the opportunity to give back. With the Chevening interview period currently underway, several Chevening applicants have reached out for guidance. Being able to organise prep sessions, coordinate with fellow alumni and share my own experiences with them has been an absolute joy. Seeing how the wider Chevening community continuously rallies to uplift the next wave of leaders is a beautiful reminder of what this global network is truly about.

As I move into the second half of this year, my focus is expanding toward gaining practical, hands-on experience in the UK health data space. Internship season is in full swing, and I am actively pursuing opportunities, including applications with organisations like HDR, to complement my academic studies with real-world application.

These first six months have been a masterclass in adapting, growing and staying rooted in my core mission. Having a plan, even as it evolves, has been my anchor. I am stepping into the next six months with a fuller schedule, a longer bucket list and a deep excitement for whatever comes next.

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Tuwilika Chevening ScholarAuthor’s bio: Tuwilika Nafuka is a Chevening Scholar from Namibia pursuing an MSc in Digital Health Systems at the University of Strathclyde.

Upon completing her studies, she aims to advance digital health innovation and policy across Africa. She is the founder of TupaBloom Care, a social enterprise dedicated to research, advocacy, and health innovation.

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