Hamid Khalafallah, Education Projects Manager at the British Council and a former Chevening scholar won the 2019 UK Development Studies Association (DSA) dissertation prize in the Division of Peace Studies and International Development, University of Bradford, for his dissertation ‘The role of development NGOs in the context of authoritarian regimes: A case study of Sudan’. We had a chat with Hamid to tell us more about his success and his study experience in the UK.
Tell us about your study background and why did you choose to study international development?
I was trained as a communications engineer and worked as a project manager for a telecom company. However, I have always been active as a volunteer with various development NGOs and other civil society organisations. Eventually, I decided to take my passion for development further and make a career out of it. Given my experience and interest in project management, it sounded sensible to pursue my masters’ in International Development Management, a course that combined both development studies and project management.
Why did you pick the UK to pursue further studies? How would you describe living in the UK as an MA student?
The UK has always held a special place in my heart. After a couple of visits in the past, I had a strong desire to experience living there. Additionally, the world-class education offered by universities in the UK made me very keen on pursuing my postgraduate degree there. Moreover, development as a science has first emerged in the UK and it made perfect sense to study development there. Living in the UK as an MA student was an incredible experience that I will cherish forever. My studies were great, but the out of class learning opportunities in the UK are super exceptional. I had access to events, networks, seminars and various opportunities to boost my knowledge and skills immensely.
Can you share the main highlights in your ‘award-winning’ dissertation? How do you see it impacting/improving NGOs operations in Sudan?
We should never underestimate the power of an adequate situation and oppourtunity analysis to inform the plan and execution of our work. I believe that the findings and recommendations of my dissertation would be very beneficial for NGOs in Sudan in improving their performance and building a beneficial relationship with their counterparts.
How do you see your research and findings boosting your current career in Sudan as Education Projects Manager at the British Council?
Within my work as an Education Projects Manager, we implement our projects in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. Establishing healthier relationships with the MoE is integral for our projects’ success. My research will surely come handy in exploring ways to developing our partnerships in an attempt to advance our outcomes and realising deeper impacts within the targeted communities.
Any tips for future Chevening applicants?
I would encourage everyone with the right qualifications and competencies to apply for the Chevening scholarship. Certainly, the Chevening is extremely competitive, yet never give up. Work hard on acquiring what it takes to be a Chevening scholar, have a clear plan for your future and make sure you are passionate about what you do. In addition to the opportunity of studying your masters’ in the UK, the Chevening gives you the chance of becoming part of a worldwide network of renowned professionals in your field and other fields; prepare yourself for an intensive year to make the most out of it!
The judges said: ‘Very good analysis of the complex picture of different actors and their motives’ and ‘carefully researched, including with primary sources. The topic is a bit brave, especially right now … and the writing persuasive’.
One judge from his own institution said ‘he has been an amazing student, he helped so many students in difficulties and always stood out for the team. He certainly represents the kind of values that a winner of a DSA Prize is expected to hold’.
Hehas been invited to present the findings of his dissertation at the DSA’s annual conference, where there will also be an award ceremony for him.
More details about Hamid's dissertation.
For more information about the Chevening scholarship, click here.