Three Trinidad & Tobago nationals are recipients of the Chevening award.
Chevening is the British Government's international scholarship scheme. This year recipients are Akil Callendar, Carlon Mendoza and Asabi Rawlins.
The receipients will received fully funded study for one year at universities across the UK.
At a reception on 29 August 2019, British High Commissioner Tim Stew shared the news that Callender, Rawlins and Mendoza are the recipients of the British Government’s Chevening scholarship 2019/20. The award entitles the scholars to one year of postgraduate study at a University of their choice in the United Kingdom.
British High Commissioner Tim Stew MBE said:
"Congratulations to each of you - Akil Callender, Asabi Rawlins and Carlon Mendoza! Your combined scholarships are valued at well over a hundred thousand pounds - a small but important investment in your development. We wish you all the best in your studies and look forward to you bringing back what you have learned to benefit Trinidad and Tobago on your return.”
He further added: “Akil, Asabi and Carlon - you are three dedicated and deserving young people. You represent a large group of seriously motivated youth in this country. Your achievement is no small feat.”
The three scholars join a cohort of over 1000 youth from over 100 countries around the world. Over 50,000 applications were received and 5000 applicants interviewed worldwide.
Akil Callender, founder of local NGO ‘The Greener Side’, will pursue an MSc in Energy, Society and Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh. Upon receiving the scholarship Akil said, "When I first saw the email awarding me a conditional scholarship, I was immediately overwhelmed with emotion; gratitude, joy and most of all, relief. Now, 2 months later, the feelings are yet to subside. Winning this award is a dream come true for me. Chevening has given me the foundation required to achieve my goals, and to inspire large scale changes for the Environment in Trinidad and Tobago."
Joining Akil is a dedicated development advocate, Asabi Rawlins, who will pursue a Master of Laws in International Law and International Relations at the University of Bristol. She remarked, “I am rarely ever speechless, but learning I was awarded a Chevening Scholarship rendered me unable to speak (or scream). I cannot adequately express how incredibly grateful, excited and inspired I am. A Chevening award reflects a major investment by the UK government, so I am eager to capitalize on my time in the UK and pay it forward when I return home.”
Finally, Carlon Mendoza, will pursue a Master of Laws in International Law with Development at the University of Reading. He commented, “Never underestimate yourself and the God-given potential that is within you. Achieving this prestigious award made me confirm that you are your hugest obstacle and motivator all in one. I am beyond grateful, blessed and humbled for the opportunity given by the British High Commission to continue accomplishing my dreams and living in my purpose.”
Preparations are being made for the three scholars to depart for the opening of their September semester.
Here's a closer look at our scholars:
Akil Callender is an Energy and Environmental reform activist with big aspirations. He is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of "The GreenerSide", an organization dedicated to spreading environmental awareness in Trinidad and Tobago. Having completed his BSc in Geology, he is now pursuing further studies at the University of Edinburgh, where he will be studying for an MSC in Energy, Society and Sustainability. His goals are twofold: To help facilitate the transition to cleaner energy practices in Trinidad and Tobago, while increasing the population’s awareness on environmental issues therefore encouraging a more environmentally conscious society.
"When I first saw the email awarding me a conditional scholarship, I was immediately overwhelmed with emotion; gratitude, joy and most of all, relief. Now, 2 months later, the feelings are yet to subside. Winning this award is a dream come true for me. Chevening has given me the foundation required to achieve my goals, and to inspire large scale changes for the Environment in Trinidad and Tobago."
Degree: MSc in Energy, Society and Sustainability
Institution: University of Edinburgh
Carlon Mendoza currently practices as Legal Counsel in the field of tourism. Carlon is passionate about sustainable development in the Caribbean region and aspires to return home to contribute to the areas of tourism and disaster management in Trinidad and Tobago. He is a graduate of The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus with a Bachelor of Laws and holds a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, cycling and music.
“Never underestimate yourself and the God-given potential that is within you. Achieving this prestigious award made me confirm that you are your hugest obstacle and motivator all in one. I am beyond grateful, blessed and humbled for the opportunity given by the British High Commission to continue accomplishing my dreams and living in my purpose.”
Degree: LLM in International Law with Development
Institution: University of Reading
Asabi Rawlins works in International Cooperation at the Association of Caribbean States, as well as a Program Officer with an international NGO – the Aspire Artemis Foundation. In the latter role she develops programming focused on the Caribbean and Africa aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. She is a passionate writer who has won several international writing and youth leadership awards. Asabi completed her undergraduate studies in International Relations and Economics. Asabi believes that the LLM in International Law and International Relations, which she will pursue in the UK, speaks to the nexus between international relations, the law and development – precisely the work she is passionate about.
“I am rarely ever speechless, but learning I was awarded a Chevening Scholarship rendered me unable to speak (or scream). I cannot adequately express how incredibly grateful, excited and inspired I am. A Chevening award reflects a major investment by the UK government, so I am eager to capitalize on my time in the UK and pay it forward when I return home.”
Degree: LLM in International Law and International Relations
Institution: University of Bristol