I'm Dinah from Kenya, currently studying at the University of Warwick, where I’m taking a course in Child and Family that aligns with my passion for social impact.

I volunteer with Slum2School Africa, a non-profit ensuring that children in underserved communities can access quality education. My work experience over the last four years has been in community and social work, and I've had an exciting, sometimes intense journey navigating the challenges in this field. My role has required adaptability, especially with the unpredictable shifts during the pandemic, but it has all reinforced my passion for meaningful work. Balancing study with this work and life in Kenya brings a unique blend to my days, which I really enjoy.

I applied for this course to deepen my understanding of wellbeing, especially in a community context. I’ve seen firsthand the impact of wellbeing on education and community development, and I wanted formal knowledge to better serve those I work with. I’m particularly drawn to the global perspectives I’m exposed to at Warwick, as they give me fresh insights that I can bring back to my work in Kenya.

Online learning has its challenges, but it’s going well overall. I find that setting a consistent schedule, breaking tasks into manageable pieces, and keeping my larger goals in sight help me stay focused. I also take breaks to refresh and balance my community work with study time. It’s motivating to know that every concept I learn has practical applications in my work, which adds meaning to every session.

My online learning set up at home

I’m excited about the collaborative elements of this course—whether it’s discussions, projects, or opportunities to exchange insights with my classmates. There is so much we can learn from one another, and I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences from Kenya and my work with Slum2School’s educational projects. I truly believe that by sharing knowledge and perspectives, we can all broaden our understanding and make a greater impact together.

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About the author

Dinah is a first-year student on the part-time degree in Child and Family: Mental Health (online).