African Woman Wins UK Chevening Scholarship 17 Years After Earning Bachelor’s Degree, Set to Pursue Master’s in Psychology

Seventeen years after earning her bachelor’s degree, Bagele Moalosi won the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to pursue a master’s in Applied Positive Psychology in the UK, aiming to improve workplace well-being in Botswana.

Bagele Moalosi, a determined African woman, has been awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) at the University of East London, United Kingdom. Her achievement comes 17 years after she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Botswana in 2007.

Although she initially aspired to further her studies in Clinical or Counselling Psychology, life took her in different directions. Over the years, she gained extensive experience in various roles, at times considering further studies in Public Health or Health Psychology. At one point, she even abandoned the idea of returning to school altogether. However, in 2023, she felt a renewed calling to continue her education and discovered Positive Psychology Coaching, a field that closely aligned with her passion for workplace well-being and personal development.

Financial constraints made pursuing a master’s degree challenging, but Bagele was determined to make her dream a reality. She applied for the highly competitive Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The scholarship seeks individuals with strong leadership skills who are committed to studying in the UK and using their education to create meaningful change in their home countries.

To strengthen her application, Bagele focused on the urgent issue of workplace well-being in Botswana. She highlighted how many employees struggle in silence due to mental health challenges, workplace stigma, and demanding job cultures. Drawing from her experience as an Employee Wellness Specialist, she emphasized how the MAPP program would equip her with the skills to develop holistic well-being initiatives and create mentally healthy workplaces.

Celebrating her achievement on LinkedIn, Bagele described the opportunity as a dream come true. She expressed gratitude to the Chevening Awards, the British High Commission, her family, friends, and mentors who supported her throughout the journey. As she embarks on this new chapter, she looks forward to learning, networking, and bringing back valuable insights to transform workplace well-being in Botswana.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION