Refugee scheme helps 62-year-old activist earn prestigious Glasgow University scholarship

A 62-year-old community activist has credited Scotland’s New Scots Leadership Programme with helping her secure a coveted university scholarship, showing that it’s never too late to chase your academic dreams.

Fatou Cham Gitteh, a Glasgow-based refugee and founding trustee of the Ubuntu Women’s Shelter, is now pursuing a MA in community development at the University of Glasgow, thanks to the James McCune Scholarship for students of African and African-Caribbean descent.

Fatou’s journey to higher education was shaped by her participation in the New Scots Leadership Programme, a scheme designed to support refugees in developing leadership skills and making meaningful contributions to their communities. The programme, run by the Scottish Refugee Council and Social Enterprise Academy, is in its fourth year and recently welcomed 16 new participants from 10 different countries, including Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan, Yemen, and Ukraine.

Reflecting on her experience, Fatou emphasised the transformative impact of the programme, saying: “This is a life-changing course because it takes you to another level, offering more opportunities for jobs and learning. The New Scots Leadership Programme definitely helped me get my place at university. It’s been invaluable both in my work and my studies.”

The programme’s focus on leadership, public speaking, and community engagement gave Fatou the confidence to pursue higher education after returning to university at the age of 58. She now hopes to apply what she’s learned to better support the refugee women she works with through various organisations, including Saheliya and the African and Caribbean Women’s Association.

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The latest cohort of the New Scots Leadership Programme, selected from over 100 applicants, will meet bi-weekly for six months to enhance their leadership skills and network with other community leaders across Scotland. Graduates will also have the chance to earn a leadership qualification from the Social Enterprise Academy, credit-rated by Glasgow Caledonian University.

Programme Manager Mary Kate Dickie expressed excitement about the new intake: “Since its launch four year ago, the New Scots Leadership Programme has gone from strength to strength. The overwhelming interest in this year’s programme is incredibly heartening.”

Fatou’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of education, community leadership, and persistence. For any students considering a similar path, her advice is simple: “I tell everyone to apply for the Leadership Programme. It’s a very good course. Very helpful, informative, and motivating.”

As refugees and community leaders across Scotland continue to contribute to society, initiatives like the New Scots Leadership Programme are paving the way for a more inclusive future.