Meet the team

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It's a real privilege to work with and support such an inspiring group of students and to see them making an impact here in Edinburgh and across the world.

Charlie BevanProgram Director

Charlie is responsible for the Program strategy and development, sharing learnings and influencing change across the institution and with key networks, and reporting to the Mastercard Foundation across all elements of the Scholars Program (PGT scholarships, WESAF and digital education cohorts).

Contact Charlie 

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It’s inspiring to be part of a program that creates spaces of connection and community and that embraces the diversity, skills and talents of young people from across the African continent. I am focused in building holistic programming with and for on campus and online scholars that prioritises their wellbeing and welfare, refines their excellent academic and professional skills further so that scholars can contribute positively and effectively at a local and global level.

Sharon BoatengProgram Manager

Sharon is responsible for the delivery of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, managing the team, and reporting to the Foundation.

Contact Sharon

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Edinburgh is a wonderful place to live and study, and I love welcoming scholars to the city and the University. The climate crisis is frightening and coming at us fast, but research, learning, collaboration, and compassion are our best hope for a bright future.

Pete KingsleyStudent Development Coordinator

Pete is responsible for the delivery of student development activities and pastoral care of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars on campus.

Contact Pete

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It takes resilience, commitment and a vision to successfully complete an online degree. I am inspired by our scholars every day and am thrilled to support them in obtaining their dreams and in the creation of opportunities for further growth and development.

Inga AckermannOnline Learning and Leadership Coordinator

 Inga leads on coordination and delivery of student development activities. Her work has a special focus on online learning scholars and the digital components of the Program. Some of Inga's work includes the running of workshops and the building of community online across the program, including providing pastoral support for online students, and the coordination of face-to-face experiences for scholars.

Contact Inga

It is my hope that scholars come to the University of Edinburgh and feel warmly welcomed, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential and discover something new and exciting about themselves on this journey. It is my wish that they take these new discoveries, new friendships, and the sense that they are always a part of the greater Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program community with them as they continue on their next quest. It is my absolute joy to play my small part in the Mastercard Foundations Scholars Program team and see the scholars thrive during their time in Edinburgh.

Karen Pinto-CsaszarAdministrator

Karen assists scholars and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team with administrative responsibilities, including travel arrangements, financial processes, stipends, events and queries. She also has Student Support experience and is happy to assist with any questions on resources available to you at the University.

Contact Karen

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Being part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, for me, means being part of a community; a place of belonging, where scholars come to share ideas on how to create positive lasting changes not only in their communities but on the African continent as a whole. It is a place where ideas are nurtured, dreams are encouraged, and scholars are empowered to bring their unique talents and perspectives to the table.

Faithy NgairaInternational Recruitment Coordinator

Faithy leads our recruitment of students who meet the eligibility criteria of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh while building and maintaining relationships with partners.

Contact Faithy

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It’s a privilege to support new PhD scholars from across Africa through such an exciting university partnership. Their interdisciplinary research and knowledge-sharing will be vital for ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for the African continent and beyond.

Megan DouglasWESAF Programme Coordinator

Megan leads the coordination of the Edinburgh-based elements of the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Doctoral Program (funded by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program). She organises the design, delivery, and evaluation of doctoral training program activities, coordinates scholar supervisions, assists with programme administration and evaluation, and signposts scholars to student support.

Contact Megan