On August 26, 2022, the recipients of the 2022/2023 Chevening Scholarship were officially announced. The Chevening Scholarship offers full financial funding to persons seeking to pursue a Master’s degree in a university in the United Kingdom (UK). Individuals are eligible based on their demonstration of strong leadership qualities and academic excellence.
Remarkably, two Dominican females, namely, Debra Francis and Devi St Luce were chosen to pursue a Master’s program at distinct Universities in the United Kingdom. Francis will pursue a Master’s degree (MSc) in Human Rights and Politics at the London School of Economics and Political Science while St Luce will pursue a Master’s degree (LLM) in Drafting Legislation, Regulation and Policy at the School of Advanced Studies, University of London.
Upon interview with Emonews, Debra Francis, Human Rights Advocate, founder of Get Me to UWI and co-founder of the Regional Organization of Women in Leadership (ROWL), expressed that she was inspired to apply for the Chevening Scholarship as it provides a very unique opportunity to pursue postgraduate study in the UK. According to her, the Chevening Scholarship allows her to become part of a very prestigious network of brilliant leaders from across the globe. “I decided to apply because in order for me to take the next steps in advancing my career, I need to expand my knowledge and qualifications and I also needed to be connected to global intellects,” she articulated.
Through the organization ROWL, Francis aims to train women for leadership roles and to allow them to make meaningful changes in the region and abroad. Interestingly, for the past two years, ROWL has coordinated the US Embassy Bridgetown’s Women in Politics Leadership Institute (WIPLI). Francis’ desire to propel women in politics did not stop there. She developed a mentorship programme, Advancing and Inspiring Mentees (AIM), which provides personal and professional development for individuals in the areas of image and grooming, public speaking, personal and professional brand, writing development, civic engagement, career development and resume and CV development.
Despite the wealth of experience in the field of politics, Francis noted that though she felt that the intentions of the Chevening Scholarship aligned with her professional and personal goals, she was extremely nervous when commencing the application process. “I’ve always had challenges talking about my achievements and my leadership history in detail, for fear of appearing conceited. I decided to just be authentic and so I was confident that Chevening would be able to see who I really was and who I’m going to be,” she voiced.
When asked how she felt after being chosen as a recipient, she responded, “Chevening gave me a sense of validation. It is an unexplainable feeling, knowing that I had earned recognition from such a prestigious body. Out of over 60,000 applicants, Chevening picked me, a policeman’s daughter from Pointe Carib because they saw a leader in me and felt that I was worthy of joining their network. I didn’t cry when I first found out that I was successful but I have been really crying reading the messages and comments from the people of Bagatelle, Fond St Jean and Pointe Carib.”
Importantly, Francis has always taken a front foot when it comes to speaking on the issues of prejudice and inequality, as inspired by her late father, Clem Francis. It is because of her passion that she went on to pursue a Bachelors in Political Science with Management at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados from the period 2017 to 2020. Two years later Francis has been awarded by one of the top Scholarship programs in the world.
Fascinatingly, she re-echoed that she decided to study Human Rights and Politics because of how passionate she is about helping vulnerable groups achieve equality and equity. “After doing my undergrad in Political Science with Management, I realised that Human Rights implementation is directly connected to the politics of a country. I want to construct policy with an implementation program associated with it that will advance human rights especially of women, children and the differently abled. I also want to expand the work that I am doing, advancing the political rights of women in the region,” she added.
Moreover, Francis pointed out that she hopes through her work, she may be a reflection of the values instilled in her by her late father. “My father had definitely been most instrumental in my academic achievements. Thanks to him, Clem Francis, I knew the importance of education from 5 years old. He started teaching me Political Science while I was in Grade 2 and showed me how one person really can make a difference,” she stated.
Francis added that when she was just 7 years old, her mother started teaching her how to express her thoughts effectively on paper. “I really wouldn’t be half the writer I am today without her early guidance. My dad lost his battle to Parkinson’s Disease in January 2022 so he wasn’t able to share this moment with me but the Bagatelle, Fond St Jean and Pointe Carib community has been constantly letting me know that my father already knew that this is where my journey would have taken me,” she averred.
Furthermore, she encouraged persons to embrace the Chevening opportunity as it may open unimaginable doors both regionally and internationally. “Take some time to reflect on your accomplishments and your trajectory. Be your authentic self in your essays and interview that way your words will flow. I think one of the most important things though, is to be passionate about what you’re pursuing and ensure that translates into your writing and interview,” she guided.
Following completion of her Master’s program in the UK, Francis intends to return to Dominica to develop programmes and policies which promote women’s political and civil rights. It is her hope to further develop the rights of the most vulnerable groups and to ensure that all human rights are protected.
As Francis embarks on a new journey, Emonews wishes her all the best and looks forward to the overwhelming changes she may make locally, regionally and internationally.
