Rhodes Trust

💧 Ahead of World Water Day on 22 March, we are celebrating #RhodesScholar Ndjodi Ndeunyema, who is using the power of the law in securing access to safe and clean water for all. Ndjodi’s doctoral thesis and subsequent book develop the argument for a court enforceable human right to water in the Namibian Constitutional context through the use of the African value of Ubuntu, meaning “I am because we are”. The term emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals and the relevance of collective well-being. 🌐 🏆 For his work, Ndjodi was awarded the inaugural Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Africa (CJCA) Thesis Prize 2024, along with a financial endowment of €10,000 distributed equally amongst the four winners. In December 2024, he also represented Namibia before the International Court of Justice at the Hague, making the case for recognition of the right to water in the context of climate change — a powerful step in global water justice. 🌍⚖️

It's World Poetry Day tomorrow so enjoy this beautiful poem by Bermuda Rhodes Scholar Aliyyah Ahad, inspired by her time living in East Oxford. She says: "Oxford is well known for its dreaming spires, manicured gardens, and picturesque lanes. But I had the good fortune of living for two years on Cowley Road, a vibrant international neighbourhood just past Magdalen Bridge. It was a world unto itself with representation from all corners of the globe. Living there helped me feel grounded, still part of reality, even while studying in the fairytale place that is Oxford." ‘Cowley Road’ By Aliyyah Ahad Keep dreaming Of your dreaming spires – I don’t want them. Just leave me Cowley Road. Oxford is fine, But Cowley is fire, real, restless. A main course Disguised as a side dish And I’m hungry For the sights, smells, and tastes I once feasted on. So take your long lanes And high streets – I don’t want them. Just leave me Cowley Road. And let me retrace The dotted line That led from novelty to nostalgia. That turned strangers Into acquaintances Into either friends Or memories. Old buildings filled with new faces. Old menus heaped onto new plates. Old wine in new bottles. Where little has changed, And yet – Everything is different. Please, Just leave me Cowley Road.

Calling all Canadian students! Join one of our virtual information sessions to hear from #RhodesScholars and find out more about fully-funded postgraduate study at University of Oxford through the #RhodesScholarship. Sign up now: https://lnkd.in/eu6e6dHc

The Defence Academy of the United Kingdom recently welcomed military and service Rhodes Scholars from the US and Canada to discuss leadership, technology and international security. “This visit was an incredible opportunity to learn how the UK military blends service and leadership, and how they interface and collaborate with foreign military forces. The lessons we learned built on the character and service strands of the Rhodes curriculum, which made it a special experience to share with other Rhodes Scholars.” 2nd Lieutenant Jupneet Singh US Air Force. 📷Crown copyright

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship combines financial support with a leadership development programme to challenge, grow, and connect young African changemakers. We look for young leaders who aspire to The Mandela Rhodes Foundation principles of leadership, reconciliation, education, and entrepreneurship. We aim to keep Nelson Mandela’s legacy alive by equipping young African leaders with the competence and courage to transform the continent into a place where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive. Apply and share! https://bit.ly/MRF2026 Applications close 21 April 2025.

The Scholars' Library series is an opportunity for #RhodesScholars and alumni to come together to present, discover and debate their literary works. Part of our lifelong fellowship programme, this is a monthly series of book talks & events open to the public. Last month, Professor Keon West (Jamaica & Balliol 2006) visited Rhodes House to discuss his new book ‘The Science of Racism’, in conversation with Klarke Stricklen (Tennessee & Somerville 2022), in which he cuts through divisive anecdotes and rhetoric with rigorous quantitative research to reveal truths about racism. He is also pictured here with members of the Black Association of Rhodes Scholars (BARS). Keon is a visiting professor of Social Psychology at the LSE, and the President of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. He is recognised for his research on prejudice, sexual orientation and sexual health, and has received numerous awards for his research, teaching, media engagement and social activism. He has also appeared as a psychological expert and presenter on various international media platforms including the BBC World Service, BBC Radio 4, Channel 4 and The Guardian.

This #UniversityMentalHealthDay, listen to #RhodesScholar Bertha T. talk about the support available for #RhodesScholars in Oxford, in conversation with fellow Scholar Leago Sebesho. #RhodesHouse is a welcoming space in the centre of Oxford where Scholars can relax and unwind - and even take a nap! Here at the Rhodes Trust we have a designated Scholar Mental Health and Wellbeing Advisor. Scholars can also turn to college, university and NHS services if in need of some extra support. #UniMentalHealthDay #StudentMentalHealth #OxfordUniversity

Why do our donors give to the #RhodesScholarship? Gratitude, giving back and a belief in the mission of the Rhodes Trust are at the heart of their reasons. Swipe to hear from some of our Scholars Fund donors. As we wrap up Donor Thank You Week we want to share a final note of appreciation for all our donors who support our #RhodesScholars in Oxford! Mari Rabie David Close Eliana Close Brett House Dr. Cristina A. Bejan Eboo Patel

Meet our Class of 2025 #RhodesScholars Elect for Pakistan! 👏 Jovera Shakeel, Lahore University of Management Sciences: Jovera is pursuing a joint major in Economics and Mathematics. Her area of interest lies in exploring the framework of poverty traps to design programs for the educational and economic integration of low-income communities at the intersection of gender, class, and disability. At Oxford, she is excited to explore the domain of economics, or development economics. At LUMS, Jovera has been working as a Co-Researcher to investigate the role of Pakistan's informal economy in agricultural indicators, as part of a grant given by the university. Shahmir Aziz, Harvard University: Shahmir is pursuing a Joint Concentration in Biomedical Engineering and Mathematics with a Secondary in Computer Science and a Language Citation in French. His research focuses on patient-centric drug delivery and bionanotechnology. At Oxford, Shahmir plans on continuing his research in bionanotechnology, and on studying diplomacy with a focus on global health to better understand how cross-border ideas in biotech can be cultivated. Congratulations Jovera and Shahmir!

Happy #WorldBookDay! You're never far from a bookshop in Oxford - every spot captured here is a sub 10 minute walk from Rhodes House 📚 Keep an eye out for a surprise booklover appearance halfway through 🐕 Waterstones Blackwell's Bookshops Oxfam #Oxford #OxfordUniversity #RhodesScholarship