Celebrating Our Unsung Heroes: Chevening Programme Officers
Anwar AlFutaih
Embarking on a new chapter in the UK is an adventure, filled with high expectations and of course, the uncertainties and anxieties that come with it. An element of the Chevening experience that undeniably makes this journey easier (and sometimes even truly remarkable) is the unwavering support of Programme Officers throughout the scholarship journey.
Image Credits: Chevening
Programme Officers are those individuals who humbly stand with a Chevening scholar from the moment they step onto their campus, and throughout their time in the UK: they check in, clarify when things are hazy, make sure you have someone to lean on. They have your back when you need to learn how to deal with University bureaucracy, or just to better understand life in a new country. The program officers’ messages often seem to appear when they are most needed, right when a Scholar may be in need of a gentle reminder that someone does care.
For many Cheveners, these simple gestures mean the world, be it the timely email during a particularly challenging week, a call to walk you through a visa question or a simple reassurance that yes, someone does care and is rooting for you. It is this very human touch and kindness, patience, and understanding, that live with Chevening Scholars well beyond their study experience.
At the Yemen Chevening Hub, we recognise the monumental efforts of all our wonderful programme officers. Your role is essential to ensure that our Scholars experience a safe and supportive atmosphere that enables them to reach their full potential. Scholars who become alumni will always carry aspects of your influence with them when they return to share what they’ve learned.
With Chevening, no one walks the journey alone.
Image Credits: Chevening
