My name is Leigh Mendes and I am a first year undergraduate at the University of Bristol, studying Politics and International Relations with aspirations of pursuing a career in diplomacy and the Civil Service! I am also proud to be a 2024 Amos Bursary Scholar, a charity dedicated to supporting the professional and personal development of young people of African and Caribbean heritage.

This summer, I have been fortunate to secure a place on a highly competitive Amos Bursary South African programme with the African Leadership Academy (ALA) in Johannesburg. ALA aims to develop Africa’s future leaders, equipping young people with the skills and global perspective needed to create meaningful change across the continent and beyond.

For me, this opportunity extends far more than traveling. As someone with African heritage, it is my chance to connect more deeply with different African cultures, perspectives and communities while learning alongside ambitious young people from around the world. International experiences like these are transformative for students like me - it will help build my confidence, broaden my worldviews and strengthen my leadership skills to encourage personal growth in ways that cannot be replicated in a classroom alone. This programme will also allow me to explore themes such as innovation, entrepreneurship and social impact as I continue to work towards a career focused on public service and global affairs.

I am currently fundraising £800 to support my time in South Africa, including daily expenses, local travel and cultural experiences during the programme. The Amos Bursary is generously supporting the core costs of the opportunity, and this fundraising will help me make the most of everything the programme has to offer.

By documenting my experience on what I learn and the people I meet along the way, these reflections will not only show the impact of your support, but also inspire other young people from similar backgrounds to pursue opportunities beyond what they once thought possible.

Any support - whether through donating or sharing this page with your network - would mean a lot to me! By supporting me, you are also supporting the wider mission of the Amos Bursary: helping advance social mobility for young people from African and Caribbean backgrounds through improving our access to opportunities that empower us to thrive personally and professionally.

Thank you so much for your time and support!